The Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has taken a bold step by constituting an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the devastating fire outbreak at AfriLand Towers, Broad Street, Lagos, which killed several people, including a member of the association.
The panel has been given 21 days to deliver its findings, though the timeline may be extended if needed.
Why NBA is Leading the Inquiry
Speaking on the tragedy, NBA Lagos Chairman, Uchenna Akingbade, said the association is acting in line with its responsibility to defend the rule of law and safeguard human rights—especially the right to life and safety.
“This tragedy claimed valuable lives, including one of our own members. What happened at AfriLand Towers raises serious questions: were safety protocols followed? Could this disaster have been prevented? Could lives have been saved?” Akingbade asked.
He emphasized that the independent panel was set up to seek answers, push for safety reforms, and guide advocacy efforts. While the NBA does not have prosecutorial powers, it intends to present its findings to the appropriate authorities for accountability and possible legal action.
Panel Structure & Objectives
The six-member panel is chaired by Mr. Nonso Azih, with Mrs. Vivian Okoh-Olutunfese as the alternate chair.
Azih explained that the team will take a multidisciplinary approach, working with experts such as doctors, engineers, safety officers, and facility managers.
“This is not just a lawyers’ affair. Our mission is not to witch-hunt but to ensure lessons are learned so that such tragedies do not happen again. Lives may have been lost, but they must not have been lost in vain,” Azih stressed.
NBA’s History of Interventions
The Lagos NBA has a track record of stepping in on public safety issues. A similar probe was conducted when a medical officer tragically lost her life in a faulty elevator at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital.
With the AfriLand Towers fire, the association is once again showing its commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of lives.
Jamflash will continue to follow this story closely and provide updates as the panel progresses with its findings.
