The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has been plunged into mourning following the death of four of its staff members in a devastating fire that swept through Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday.
According to a condolence statement released via its official X handle on Wednesday, the inferno broke out on the sixth and seventh floors of the building — which house FIRS’s Medium Tax Audit Office and Onikan Emerging Tax Office.
FIRS explained that its security and safety officials swiftly raised the alarm and contacted the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, but dense smoke had already engulfed the building before emergency responders could arrive.
“The Management and staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of four of our colleagues in the fire incident that occurred on Tuesday at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos. The unfortunate incident has thrown the entire FIRS community into mourning,” the agency stated.
The service further said it is providing full support to the bereaved families and will remain in close contact with them throughout this difficult period.
Additionally, FIRS revealed it has launched an internal review to strengthen safety measures across all its offices nationwide — both rented and owned — to prevent a recurrence of such tragedy.
“We honour the memory of our departed colleagues whose professionalism and dedication were exemplary. The safety of our people remains paramount,” the statement read.
The fire outbreak prompted a swift rescue operation coordinated by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, which confirmed that nine people were rescued, five were resuscitated, while several others managed to escape unhurt.
