Onome Amuge
United Bank for Africa (UBA), one of Nigeria’s biggest lenders, lost staff in the Afriland Towers fire , a tragedy that has reverberated across the country’s corporate sector.
Tony Elumelu, chairman of both UBA and Heirs Holdings, confirmed the deaths in an emotional statement on Wednesday, describing the incident as devastating and cutting short his trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to return to Lagos.
“No words can capture the magnitude of this loss, not for their families who loved them, not for the friends who valued them, and not for those of us who worked beside them,” Elumelu said.
According to reports, the fire broke out on September 16 in the inverter room of Afriland Towers, quickly spreading smoke throughout the six-storey building, including emergency exits. While emergency services contained the blaze within hours, the human toll has raised fresh questions about corporate preparedness and the adequacy of safety infrastructure in Lagos’s central business district.
Elumelu announced that all Heirs Holdings companies, including UBA, would observe a minute’s silence at noon on Wednesday. He also pledged memorial services and financial support for the bereaved families, urging colleagues to assist survivors receiving medical treatment.
UBA, which has more than 25,000 employees across Africa, has not disclosed how many of its staff perished in the blaze. The loss is nonetheless significant for a bank often seen as a bellwether for Nigeria’s financial sector, with a N1.3tn market capitalisation and operations spanning 20 African countries.
Afriland Properties Plc, the tower’s owner and manager, is also facing scrutiny following the incident. The company confirmed the origin of the fire but has not commented on casualties, stressing instead that safety protocols were followed and that the swift response of the Lagos State and Federal Fire Services helped to prevent greater damage.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families and loved ones,” Afriland said in its statement.
Afriland, listed on the Nigerian Exchange, manages a portfolio of commercial and residential assets.
The tragedy has reignited long-standing concerns over Lagos Island’s overstretched infrastructure. Broad Street, the city’s historic commercial artery, is packed with banks, law firms,corporate headquarters, amongst other edifices. Yet fire outbreaks, traffic gridlock, and inadequate enforcement of building regulations remain perennial risks.
At the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said investigations into the cause are ongoing.
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