The Federal Fire Service says property worth about ₦500 million was destroyed in the fire that gutted parts of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja, adding that its swift intervention saved assets valued at approximately ₦9.5 billion.

The fire incident occurred at the Federal Mortgage Bank headquarters, located opposite the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja. Initial reports on Saturday indicated that the blaze affected the upper section of the building before it was brought under control. The Federal Fire Service says that its swift intervention saved the day, preventing what could have resulted in extensive damage to critical national assets.

According to the statement, the fire, traced to an electrical surge, affected offices on the second floor of the two-storey building. It said firefighters responded swiftly to the emergency, with reinforcement from the Wuse and CBN Fire Stations, while the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service, the National Emergency Management Agency and other emergency responders also joined the operation.

The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, commended all responding agencies for their professionalism and teamwork during the operation. 'The Controller-General… commends all responding agencies for their professionalism, synergy, and commitment, which were instrumental in bringing the incident under control and minimizing losses,' the statement added. The Service also urged individuals, organisations and property owners to carry out routine inspections and maintenance of electrical installations, noting that electrical faults remain one of the leading causes of fire outbreaks.

The Federal Mortgage Bank is a critical financial institution that plays a key role in the country's housing finance sector. The bank provides mortgage loans to Nigerians, and the damage to its headquarters is a concern for the millions who rely on its services. The bank's headquarters is located in the heart of Abuja, and the fire incident highlights the need for improved fire safety measures in the city.

Key Facts

  • Property worth ₦500 million was destroyed in the fire.
  • Assets valued at approximately ₦9.5 billion were saved.
  • The fire was caused by an electrical surge.
  • Firefighters responded swiftly to the emergency.
  • The Federal Fire Service commended all responding agencies for their professionalism.

The fire incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of electrical faults and the need for improved fire safety measures in the country. The Federal Fire Service has urged individuals, organisations and property owners to carry out routine inspections and maintenance of electrical installations to prevent such incidents in the future.