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Panic erupted at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Wednesday after a fire incident broke out within the Senate wing, forcing lawmakers, staff and visitors to respond swiftly to contain the situation.
The incident, which occurred near one of the hearing rooms, briefly disrupted activities and triggered concern among those present as smoke billowed through parts of the affected area.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke filling the room while voices in the background raised alarm over the source of the fire and the apparent lack of immediate firefighting equipment. One voice claimed the fire originated from a gas source, while another lamented the absence of a fire extinguisher at the scene.
Witnesses also captured the moment lawmakers, including Senator Ned Nwoko, exited the affected section of the complex as efforts intensified to bring the situation under control.
According to eyewitness accounts cited by TVC News, the fire reportedly started in the kitchen section attached to the hearing room shortly after the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission concluded the screening of Dr. Zainab Marwa, the North-East nominee for the commission’s board.
The report indicated that a microwave left switched on may have triggered the incident, although authorities have yet to officially confirm the cause.
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Lawmakers and staff members at the scene reportedly moved quickly to prevent the fire from spreading. Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong and Salihu Mustapha were said to have joined others in leading emergency efforts, using available materials, including water and detergents, to extinguish the flames before they escalated into a larger disaster.
Their prompt intervention helped contain the fire within a short period, averting potential damage to critical facilities inside the legislative complex.
No injuries or fatalities were recorded, and activities in the area resumed shortly after the incident was brought under control.
However, the development has renewed concerns about emergency preparedness and fire safety measures within one of Nigeria’s most important public institutions.
As of the time of filing this report, management of the National Assembly had not issued an official statement detailing the cause of the fire, the extent of damage, or measures being taken to prevent a recurrence.
The incident comes amid growing calls for stricter adherence to safety protocols in public buildings, particularly facilities that host high-level government activities and large numbers of people daily.
