The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is mourning the loss of four staff members who tragically died in a fire outbreak at Afriland Towers, located on Broad Street in Lagos.
The fire, which occurred on Tuesday, engulfed the sixth and seventh floors of the building, which house the FIRS Medium Tax Audit Office and the Onikan Emerging Tax Office.
Despite swift action by FIRS safety personnel, who immediately alerted emergency services, thick smoke had already spread through the affected floors before responders arrived on the scene.
FIRS confirmed the identities of the deceased as:
- Mrs. Ekelikhostse George – Assistant Director
- Mr. David Sunday-Jatto – Assistant Director
- Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe – Senior Manager
- Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye – Manager
In a public statement, FIRS expressed deep grief and condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
The agency described the fallen staff as dedicated professionals and pledged continued support to their families.
“Their professionalism and service to the nation were exemplary,” the statement read.
FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, returned to Lagos from an overseas trip shortly after the incident.
He joined FIRS employees in observing a minute of silence in honour of the departed.
Following the tragedy, FIRS announced it is reviewing and reinforcing safety protocols across all its facilities, both rented and owned, to ensure the safety of all staff members nationwide.
Meanwhile, Lagos State authorities are collaborating with FIRS to investigate the cause of the fire, which remains unknown as of now.
