The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has confirmed that a fire incident occurred at one of its offices in Abuja yesterday morning, with no loss of life recorded.
The incident which occurred at the FIRS office located at No. 15 Sokode Cresent, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, was said to have broken out on the fourth floor of the building.
In a statement issued yesterday by the Technical Assistant (Print Media) to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Sikiru Akinola, the Service said the situation was swiftly brought under control through the prompt action of security personnel and emergency responders.
“The fire, which broke out on the fourth floor of the building, was promptly responded to by our security personnel on duty,” Akinola said.
He explained that the timely intervention of the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service, alongside other emergency agencies, ensured that the fire did not escalate or spread to other parts of the building. According to him, “with the swift support of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service and other emergency responders, the fire was successfully contained and prevented from spreading further.”
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Akinola confirmed that no casualties were recorded in the incident, adding that all staff and occupants were safe. However, he noted that some offices on the affected floor suffered damage as a result of the fire.
“The Service can confirm that no lives were lost in the incident. However, a number of offices on the affected floor sustained damage,” he said.
The affected floor houses the executive office suites of past Executive Chairmen of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, though the extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Meanwhile, an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire. Akinola disclosed that early findings suggest the incident may have been triggered by an electrical fault.
“An investigation into the cause of the fire has commenced, with preliminary assessments pointing to a possible electrical fault,” he stated.
He added that the Service has begun a comprehensive review of its internal safety procedures in response to the incident. According to the statement, all existing safety protocols are being examined and reinforced to prevent a recurrence.
“In the meantime, all internal safety protocols are being thoroughly reviewed and strengthened to mitigate against future occurrences,” Akinola said.
The FIRS assured the public that operations would continue while necessary remedial measures are taken to address the impact of the incident and improve safety across its facilities.
