Afriland Properties Plc has confirmed that Afriland Towers, recently hit by a devastating fire, is fully insured. The company stated it is reviewing insurance details and awaiting official reports to determine compensation and guide rebuilding efforts.
The September 16, 2025 blaze at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, claimed 10 lives and caused major disruption. The fire started in the basement inverter room but was largely contained at its origin.
Chukwunonso Okafor, Head of Brand, Marketing, and Corporate Communications at Afriland, said Saturday, “regarding insurance, the company is reviewing coverage details and awaiting official reports to guide compensation and rebuilding efforts.
Afriland Towers will remain closed for extensive safety inspections, cleaning, and any necessary reconstruction before re-occupation.”
The firm stressed that, though tragic, the incident has strengthened its commitment to safety across its property portfolio. It is now reviewing all managed facilities to ensure strict compliance with safety standards, working with regulators to bolster disaster prevention and response systems.
Okafor explained that Afriland Towers was equipped with smoke extractors, fire reels, extinguishers, alarms, two emergency staircases, and multiple ground-floor exits as approved by fire authorities. He noted the fire began around 1:20 p.m., with in-house fire champions responding quickly.
Emergency services arrived 20 minutes later, aided by citizens, but thick smoke hampered visibility and access, forcing some occupants to escape through windows.
He confirmed that regular drills supervised by fire officials and annual training for wardens were in place, but the intensity of the fire tested communication and evacuation procedures. Investigations are probing inconsistencies in alarm activation.
Okafor added that Afriland Towers holds all regulatory certifications for occupancy and complies with safety codes. The company is cooperating with regulators on a post-fire audit and pledged to exceed compliance in implementing new safeguards.
“The tragic loss of life included staff from United Capital Plc and the Federal Inland Revenue Service. Afriland Properties expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and confirmed that support, including grief counselling, medical evaluations, and flexible work arrangements, is being provided to affected staff and their families.
Alternative work arrangements will remain in place until the building is deemed structurally and operationally safe,” he stated.
Afriland reiterated that the tragedy has further underscored its safety commitment and proactive measures across all properties, working closely with authorities to strengthen disaster management protocols.
