Fire Outbreak at Federal Secretariat Abuja Disrupts Movement, Forces Commuters to Trek

By Juliet Ezeh

A fire incident at the Federal Secretariat complex in Abuja on Monday morning disrupted normal activities in the area, forcing many workers and commuters to abandon their vehicles and continue their journeys on foot.

The blaze reportedly broke out around 8:00 a.m. at a section of the building housing the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, sending thick smoke into the sky and drawing emergency responders to the scene.

Eyewitnesses said the fire started on one of the upper floors of the multi-storey structure located within the Secretariat complex, prompting security personnel to quickly restrict access to parts of the area.

The movement restrictions created heavy traffic congestion along roads leading to the complex, leaving many motorists stranded for hours during the peak morning rush.

Several passengers were seen disembarking from vehicles to trek to nearby offices and bus stops as authorities redirected traffic away from the affected building.

Emergency responders, including firefighters, were deployed shortly after the incident was reported and worked to bring the situation under control.

Officials confirmed that the fire affected a section of the building identified as Section C, while efforts were made to prevent the flames from spreading to other parts of the structure.

Workers and visitors inside the complex were also observed moving away from the building as a precaution while emergency teams handled the situation.

Authorities said the cause of the fire has not yet been established and investigations will begin once the area is declared safe.

The incident temporarily disrupted activities at the Federal Secretariat, one of the busiest government office complexes in the nation’s capital, as officials focused on containing the blaze and restoring normal movement around the area.