A fire broke out at Leventis Plaza, a commercial building in Abuja, on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The Federal Fire Service (FFS) said firefighters contained the blaze before it spread to the rest of the plaza or nearby structures.

What Happened

The fire affected a tailoring workshop on the first floor of Leventis Plaza. Officials said the blaze may have started from an electrical surge.

Fire crews arrived within minutes after receiving an emergency call. They quickly worked to stop the fire from spreading to other parts of the plaza or nearby properties.

Response by Fire Service

The FFS spokesperson, Paul Abraham, said firefighters from the National Headquarters were dispatched immediately after the distress alert. The team, led by SF Adoko, reached the scene rapidly and began firefighting and safety operations.

Fire crews completed firefighting, salvage, and overhaul procedures, and later inspected the area to be sure the fire was fully out.

Property Saved

The Federal Fire Service said that around ₦900 million worth of property was saved from destruction. This was out of an estimated ₦1 billion value in the affected section before the fire started.

Safety Advice

The service reiterated its commitment to public safety and urged people to be careful with electrical installations. Officials said better attention to electrical safety could help prevent similar fires.

Context

Fire outbreaks in commercial buildings have been an ongoing concern in Abuja and other major cities. Many such incidents are linked to electrical faults or poor maintenance of equipment.

In recent years, fire services in Nigeria have recorded many fire incidents in markets, malls, and business centres. These events sometimes result in large losses of goods and property.

Implications for Public Safety

Business and economy: Large fires can destroy goods and slow business activity, affecting traders and investors.

Urban planning: Such incidents highlight needs for better building safety and fire prevention systems.

Public awareness: Officials stress the importance of safe electrical systems to reduce fire risks.

Ongoing Developments

The Federal Fire Service continues to promote fire safety across public and commercial buildings. Citizens are reminded to report emergencies quickly using official emergency lines and to follow safety guidelines at work and home.

The investigation into the exact cause of the fire is ongoing, and fire safety authorities may issue further guidance on preventing future outbreaks.