A fire outbreak in the early hours of Saturday has destroyed the Sokoto State secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), wiping out property and important records gathered over more than 30 years.
The incident, which occurred around 3 a.m., left the labour office badly damaged, with officials confirming that key documents, office equipment, and furniture were completely burnt.
Speaking to journalists at the scene, the Secretary of the NLC in Sokoto State, Hamisu Hussaini Hamisu, said initial findings suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault.
“We suspect it was caused by an electrical fault. By the time the fire was noticed, it had already spread across the building,” he said.
According to him, the destruction is extensive and has affected nearly all the items in the office, including computers, printers, refrigerators, televisions, and office furniture.
“Everything was burnt. We lost documents and equipment built over many years,” he added.
The loss of these materials is expected to affect the operations of the union in the state, as many of the destroyed records contained vital information on workers, agreements, and activities spanning several decades.
Eyewitnesses said the fire started quietly in the early hours when most people were asleep, allowing it to spread quickly before help could arrive. The security guard on duty reportedly noticed the fire and tried to control it but was unable to stop it due to its intensity.
Despite his efforts, the flames continued to spread across the building, consuming offices and equipment before emergency services were alerted.
One eyewitness said firefighters arrived about an hour after the incident was reported. Although they were able to eventually put out the fire, much of the damage had already been done by the time they got there.
“The firefighters tried their best, but the fire had already destroyed most parts of the building before they arrived,” the witness said.
The Nigeria Labour Congress is one of the country’s main workers’ organisations, representing the interests of employees across different sectors. At the state level, its secretariat serves as an administrative centre where labour matters are handled, meetings are held, and records are kept.
The destruction of the Sokoto office is therefore seen as a major setback, not only for the union leadership but also for workers who rely on the organisation for support and representation.
Although no lives were lost in the incident, the damage to property and records is significant. Officials say efforts will now focus on assessing the full extent of the loss and finding ways to restore operations as quickly as possible.
There have also been concerns about fire safety in public buildings, especially older structures with outdated electrical systems. Incidents like this have raised questions about the need for regular maintenance and proper safety measures to prevent such disasters.
For the NLC in Sokoto, the immediate challenge will be how to recover lost data and continue its work without the materials that were destroyed. Rebuilding the secretariat and replacing equipment will require time and resources.
Some labour members who visited the scene expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as a painful loss. They called on the government and other stakeholders to support the union in rebuilding the office.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to confirm the exact cause of the fire. However, the early indication of an electrical fault has already drawn attention to the importance of improving safety standards in workplaces.
The incident adds to the growing number of fire outbreaks reported in different parts of the country in recent months, many of which have been linked to electrical issues.
For now, the focus remains on recovery and ensuring that the activities of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Sokoto State can resume without too much delay.
The union leadership has assured members that steps will be taken to rebuild and continue operations, despite the heavy losses recorded in the fire.