Financial services firm, United Capital Plc, has confirmed the death of six of its employees in the tragic fire that engulfed Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

This announcement brings the official death toll to ten, following an earlier confirmation by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) that four of its staff also died in the incident.

The fire, which broke out just before 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, tore through the six-storey commercial building, housing several offices and businesses, leaving widespread devastation and loss in its wake.

In an official statement released on Thursday, United Capital expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its staff.

“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers,” the statement read.

“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void.”

The company extended its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased, assuring them of continued support during this difficult time. Plans are underway for a memorial service to honour the victims.

United Capital also expressed appreciation to emergency responders for their swift intervention during the incident.

“In this moment of untold grief, we stand together in solidarity, drawing strength from one another as we navigate this period. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”

Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the cause of the fire.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Trading Limited says that its Managing Director, Maryamu Idris , has been appointed as Nigeria’s National Representative to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

NNPCL announced the development on its X handle on Wednesday, and said Idris’s new role marks a pivotal step in representing Nigeria’s interests within the influential cartel of oil-producing nations.

“We congratulate Maryamu Idris, Managing Director of NNPC Trading Limited, on her appointment as the National Representative for Nigeria at the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC),” the statement read.

The corporation hailed her achievements in many capacities in the oil sector.

Maryamu’s extensive experience in the energy sector includes leading Pricing and Valuation efforts within NNPC’s Crude Oil Marketing Division and serving as a Technical Advisor to Nigeria’s OPEC Delegation.

She also played a foundational role in Nigeria’s engagement with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and contributed to oil sector reforms through her work with the Bureau of Public Enterprises and the Oil and Gas Implementation Committee (OGIC).

The Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS) has confirmed the death of four of its senior staff members in the fire incident that gutted Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday.

The deceased staff were identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George, Assistant Director; Mr David Sunday-Jatto, Assistant Director; Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe, Senior Manager; and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye, Manager.

In a statement confirming the incident, Mr Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, said that the victims were trapped while on duty at the two FIRS offices located on the sixth and seventh floors of the building when the inferno broke out.

“Our Security and Safety officials quickly mobilized and contacted the fire service as soon as they were alerted. On getting to the scene, thick dark smoke was already billowing out of the building.

“The Management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow over the development,” he said.