The Federal Fire Service has ordered an investigation into Tuesday’s fire at the Afriland Tower, Broad Street, Lagos Island, that led to the death of ten employees of companies housed in the building.

The United Capital had confirmed the death of six of its staff while the Federal Inland Revenue Service also confirmed that four of its employees lost their lives in the inferno that ravaged the six-storey building.

In a statement on Thursday, FFS’ controller general, Samuel Adeyemi Olumode, commiserated with the FIRS, the UBA, as well as families and friends of those who died in the blaze.

“Following initial reports indicating that the fire originated from the inverter room of the building, the CGF has directed the immediate deployment of a Federal Fire Service investigation team to establish the direct and remote causes of the incident, including the state of safety systems, maintenance practices and compliance with fire safety regulations,” the fire service statement said. “The findings of the investigation will be made public and all recommendations will be implemented without delay.”

Mr Olumode also announced that the fire service would roll out a nationwide ‘Task Force on Fire Safety Compliance’ to audit public and private buildings, enforce safety standards, sanction non-compliance, train facility managers and staff, and strengthen collaboration with regulatory agencies.

Mr Olumode stated that it is not enough to install fire safety equipment but essential to maintain it, ensure its functionality and train staff.