Staff scamper to safety as major fire erupts at UBA Branch in Lagos

*A fire outbreak Tuesday afternoon at Afriland Tower, Broad Street, on Lagos Island, in Lagos State, where one of the branches of United Bank for Africa Plc is located created tense scenes, as the bank’s employees climbed down to safety with the aid of fire service ladders

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

A major fire erupted afternoon Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Afriland Tower, Broad Street, on Lagos Island, in Lagos State, where one of the branches of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is located.

ConsumerConnect gathered the fire incident caused some commotion in the area as thick smoke engulfed the high-rise building, forcing some staff to attempt escape through windows.

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There are other videos circulating on social media platforms indicating tense scenes of the UBA employees climbing down for safety with the aid of fire service ladders.

Other staffers of the financial institution were also seen trying to jump from upper floors of the affected building in panic.

Speaking on the fire incident, Ogabi Olajide, Deputy Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, said the alarm was raised at 1:38 p.m. Tuesday, with crews from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations responding swiftly to put out the fire at the scene.

The fire is said to have started in the basement inverter room before spreading to multiple floors.