Chaos Averted As Fire Breaks Out In Senate Wing Of National Assembly

Chaos Averted As Fire Breaks Out In Senate Wing Of National Assembly

June 10, 2026

A sudden fire outbreak at the Senate wing of Nigeria's National Assembly on Wednesday sparked panic among lawmakers, legislative aides, and visitors, briefly disrupting official proceedings during the screening of a nominee for the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The incident occurred at Hearing Room 107 shortly after the Senate Committee on NDDC concluded the screening of Zainab Marwa, the nominee representing the North-East geopolitical zone on the commission's governing board.

Eyewitnesses said calm proceedings quickly turned tense when smoke began billowing from a section of the hearing room, causing alarm among those present. Senators, committee staff, and other officials were seen reacting swiftly as concerns mounted over the possibility of a major fire outbreak within the National Assembly complex.

The situation, however, was quickly brought under control through the prompt intervention of lawmakers and support staff, preventing the incident from escalating into a more serious emergency.

Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the smoke reportedly originated from the kitchen area attached to the hearing room. Preliminary investigations indicated that a microwave oven left switched on may have triggered the incident.

The quick response of those at the venue helped contain the fire within minutes, limiting damage and ensuring that normal activities resumed shortly afterward.

Despite the brief disruption, no casualties or injuries were recorded, and officials were able to restore order as investigations into the exact cause of the fire continued.

The screening exercise itself was part of the Senate's consideration of President Bola Tinubu's nomination of Zainab Marwa for appointment to the NDDC Governing Board. The nomination had earlier been transmitted to the upper chamber by the President and formally read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

According to the President's communication to the Senate, the appointment was made in line with the provisions of the NDDC Establishment Act, which guides the composition and administration of the intervention agency responsible for the development of the Niger Delta region.

The fire incident has nevertheless raised fresh concerns about safety measures and emergency preparedness within critical government facilities, particularly the National Assembly complex, which hosts daily legislative activities involving hundreds of lawmakers, staff, and visitors.

While authorities have yet to release an official report on the incident, the swift containment of the fire prevented what could have become a significant disruption to parliamentary business and a potential threat to lives and property within one of Nigeria's most important government institutions.