The United Bank for Africa has confirmed a fire incident at a building housing one of its branches on Broad Street, Lagos Island. Thankfully, the bank’s corporate head office, UBA House on Marina, was not affected, contrary to circulating rumors on social media.
According to UBA, the fire broke out in a building that incidentally houses one of its many branches. Emergency crews swiftly responded to the scene, cordoning off sections of Broad Street to contain the blaze and manage traffic disruptions. The bank assured the public that all staff, customers, and visitors at the branch were safely evacuated, with no reported injuries among its personnel or customers.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with the bank cooperating fully with relevant authorities. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reportedly said the fire originated in the inverter room located in the basement of Afriland Tower. Firefighters arrived promptly and managed to contain the situation, ensuring the fire didn’t spread beyond the basement. However, thick smoke had already engulfed several floors, intensifying evacuation efforts.
The incident raises concerns over fire safety in Lagos business districts, particularly on Broad Street, a bustling commercial hub lined with banks, offices, and trading houses. This is not the first time stakeholders have called for stronger safety measures following similar incidents in the area.
UBA reiterated its commitment to protecting the lives of staff, customers, and the communities where it operates. Customers and stakeholders seeking further information were advised to contact the bank through official channels.
