Afriland Properties Plc has issued a statement addressing questions raised over the fire incident that occurred at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
The fire, which started in the inverter room located in the basement of the building, spread quickly due to thick smoke and heat, leading to 10 deaths.
Some occupants were forced to jump from windows as smoke hindered evacuation through designated staircases and escape routes.
In its response on Saturday, Afriland Properties explained that safety systems, including fire alarms, extractors and extinguishers, were in place and had been activated.
However, while some occupants confirmed hearing alarms, others did not, a situation the company said is under investigation.
It added that the building was designed with two emergency staircases and multiple exits but that the spread of smoke restricted their use.
The company clarified that the fire began around 1:20 pm and that fire responders arrived about 20 minutes later, contrary to reports that emergency services took several hours to arrive.
Afriland added that regular fire drills had been conducted at the property under the supervision of fire service officials, with wardens designated on each floor to support emergency procedures.
Afriland confirmed that 10 persons, including staff of United Capital Plc and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, lost their lives to smoke inhalation.
It said it is working with the affected organisations to support the bereaved families and has also put in place counselling and welfare support for its own staff.
The company further stated that Afriland Towers will remain closed until thorough safety, structural and regulatory reviews are completed.
It assured that no staff or tenant would return to the building until it is certified safe by authorities.
In addition, a full insurance review is ongoing, alongside consultations with independent safety experts and regulators.
Afriland noted that lessons from the incident would be applied across all its operations and that a comprehensive review of its managed facilities is underway.
The firm said its priority remains the safety and welfare of occupants and staff.
The statement was signed by Chukwunonso Okafor, head of brand, marketing and corporate communications, on behalf of the company.
Afriland Properties is led by its managing director and chief executive officer Azubike Emodi.
