Fire Destroys NLC Secretariat In Sokoto, Sparks Panic And Damage Concern

According to Ireporter Online, a fire outbreak in the early hours of Saturday has gutted the Sokoto State secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), destroying offices, equipment, and important documents used for union activities.

The incident reportedly occurred around 3:00 a.m., just a day after workers in the state marked International Workers’ Day, when flames rapidly engulfed the building before emergency responders could bring the situation under control. By morning, the secretariat had been extensively damaged, with much of the structure reduced to ashes.

Eyewitnesses in the area said the fire spread quickly, raising concerns before it was eventually contained. Although the exact cause of the blaze has not been officially established, some residents suspect it may be linked to unstable electricity supply and frequent power surges in the area.

Reacting to the development, the Sokoto State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Abdullahi Aliyu, described the incident as a devastating blow to the labour movement in the state, expressing deep sorrow over the scale of destruction.

He noted that the loss came at a sensitive time when workers were reflecting on labour unity and welfare, adding that the damage was extensive and deeply painful for the organisation.

As of the time of filing this report, the fire was yet to be completely extinguished, while the building had already been largely destroyed.