FIRS confirms fire incident at Abuja office, says probe ongoing 

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has confirmed that a fire broke out 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 started on the fourth floor of the building.

In a statement issued by the Technical Assistant (Print Media) to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Sikiru Akinola, the Service said the situation was brought under control through the swift 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.

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.”

“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.

“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.