NBA Lagos Establishes Independent Committee to Investigate AfriLand Towers Fire

The Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has established an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the recent fire outbreak at AfriLand Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, which claimed several lives, including that of a member of the association.

The panel has been given an initial timeframe of 21 days to conclude its investigation, with the possibility of an extension if necessary.

NBA Lagos Chairman, Uchenna Akingbade, said the association took the step in line with its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights — especially the right to life and a safe environment.

“This tragedy claimed valuable lives, including one of our own. Every person has the right to life and to work in a safe environment,” Akingbade stated. “The incident raises critical questions: Were safety protocols followed? Could this have been prevented? Could lives have been saved?”

He emphasized that the purpose of the inquiry is to uncover the facts and advocate for necessary reforms. “This is not a government-led initiative but an entirely independent investigation. The panel’s findings will inform our advocacy for policy reforms and, where appropriate, trigger engagement with relevant authorities for civil or criminal action.”

While acknowledging that the NBA lacks prosecutorial authority, Akingbade noted that the association would use the findings to demand accountability, push for stronger safety regulations, and promote better protection of lives in public and private spaces.

The inquiry panel is chaired by Mr. Nonso Azih, with Mrs. Vivian Okoh-Olutunfese serving as alternate chair. Azih said the six-member legal team would collaborate with professionals across various fields — including medical experts, engineers, safety officers, and facility managers — to ensure a comprehensive investigation.

“This isn’t just a legal review,” Azih explained. “We’re adopting a multidisciplinary approach to fully understand what went wrong. Our aim is not to assign blame unnecessarily but to ensure that lessons are learned, and such avoidable tragedies are not repeated.”

He also referenced previous NBA interventions, such as the inquiry into the death of a medical officer in a faulty elevator at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, as evidence of the association’s continued commitment to public safety and justice.