The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced the death of four senior officials in a fire incident that engulfed Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday.
The inferno broke out on the sixth and seventh floors of the building, where the agency’s Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office are located. Thick smoke reportedly filled the premises before emergency responders arrived.
In a statement, FIRS expressed shock over the tragedy, describing it as a heavy blow to the organisation.
“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 statement read.
The agency said its security and safety officials immediately contacted the fire service when the blaze started, but the situation had already escalated beyond control.
FIRS also pledged support for the bereaved families and promised to honour the memory of the deceased staff, whom it described as exemplary professionals.
It further disclosed that it has commenced a review of safety protocols in all its offices nationwide, with a commitment to strengthen preventive measures in both rented and owned facilities.
