The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has confirmed the tragic death of four employees following a fire outbreak on Tuesday at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos.
The inferno, which engulfed the sixth and seventh floors—home to the Medium Tax Audit Office and the Onikan Emerging Tax Office—has plunged the entire agency into deep mourning.
In a statement released Wednesday on its official X handle, FIRS said its security and safety officers swiftly alerted emergency responders when the blaze started. However, heavy smoke had already spread through the building before firefighters arrived.
“The Management and staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of four of our colleagues in the fire incident that occurred on Tuesday at Afriland Towers,” the agency said. “The unfortunate incident has thrown the entire FIRS community into mourning.”
FIRS assured that it is in close contact with the families of the victims and will provide full support to help them through the painful period. The agency also pledged to strengthen fire-safety and emergency protocols across all its offices nationwide.
“We honour the memory of our departed colleagues whose professionalism and dedication were exemplary,” the statement added. “Safety remains paramount, and we are reviewing and upgrading measures to prevent a recurrence.”
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reported that nine people were rescued during the operation, with five successfully resuscitated while others escaped unharmed.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation as FIRS works alongside emergency services to determine the next steps and provide relief to affected staff and families.
