Amid fears of structural collapse, the Lagos State Government has ordered an immediate evacuation around the burnt Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building, warning that nearby structures pose serious safety threats.
The directive, approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, followed a technical assessment by government-appointed structural engineers, who concluded that buildings within a 100-metre radius of the fire site have been severely compromised and are unsafe for occupation.
The 25-storey GNI building was gutted by fire on December 24, resulting in extensive damage and raising concerns about possible collapse or secondary incidents in the area.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, expressed concern that despite repeated safety advisories, some occupants have continued to defy government warnings. He disclosed that certain shop owners reportedly broke through safety barricades erected around the affected zone.
Describing such actions as dangerous and unacceptable, Omotoso stressed that the barricaded area remains a strictly enforced “no-movement zone”.
He explained that the evacuation order is intended to prevent avoidable tragedy and to allow emergency responders and safety experts to continue assessments and recovery operations without interference.
The state government urged all affected residents and business operators to comply fully with the directive, emphasizing that public safety remains its highest priority.
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