Firefighters have contained a blaze that broke out at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja, calming fears among workers and residents around the Federal Secretariat Complex.

The fire was reported in Section C of the multi-storey office complex, a key hub for federal civil service administration. Witnesses said the incident began in the early hours of the workday, sending thick black smoke into the sky and prompting a swift evacuation of staff from the affected wing.

Eyewitness videos shared on social media showed dense plumes of smoke billowing from an upper floor, with people seen hurrying out of the building as security personnel and emergency responders moved in to secure the area.

The Federal Fire Service confirmed that its operatives were quickly deployed to the scene and succeeded in bringing the situation under control before the flames could spread to adjoining sections.

In an official statement, the National Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, P O Abraham, said firefighters had responded promptly and contained the blaze, assuring members of the public that there was no cause for alarm.

Abraham, who also heads Corporate Services at the agency, noted that the rapid response was the result of established emergency protocols for strategic government facilities within the Federal Capital Territory.

Officials at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation confirmed that the fire was confined to Section C and that no other wings of the complex were affected. Staff were evacuated as a precaution while fire crews and other emergency teams worked to secure the building.

As of the time of reporting, there were no immediate details on casualties or the extent of damage to offices, documents or equipment housed in the affected section.

Authorities said the cause of the fire had not yet been determined. A formal investigation is expected to begin once safety checks are completed and the affected area is fully stabilised.

The incident has renewed concerns about fire safety and infrastructure standards in major government buildings in Abuja, where previous outbreaks have raised questions about electrical installations, maintenance practices and emergency preparedness.