Fire Outbreak at UBA Branch in Lagos: Staff, Customers Safely Evacuated

Lagos, Nigeria – September 16, 2025:

A fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon at Afriland Tower, a six-storey building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which houses a United Bank for Africa (UBA) branch.

The incident, which began around 1:38 p.m., was traced to the inverter room in the basement before spreading to other parts of the building. Scenes of panic unfolded as workers struggled to escape the flames. In one video, staff were seen climbing out of windows to avoid the thick smoke; another showed desperate attempts to flee from upper floors; while a third captured firefighters arriving to commence evacuation.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that teams from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations were deployed immediately after the distress call. Evacuation and firefighting efforts helped prevent greater damage and ensured people were brought to safety.

UBA, in a statement, clarified that the fire did not occur at its Marina Head Office but at its Broad Street branch. The bank reassured the public that all staff and customers had been accounted for and evacuated safely, adding that services at other locations remain unaffected.

“We have accounted for our staff and ensured their safety alongside that of our customers. We are working closely with emergency services to contain the situation,” the statement read.

As of press time, no casualties have been reported. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and assessing the extent of the damage.

Written by Bliss Anthony