Governor confirms no casualties, sets up committee to oversee demolition and support affected traders
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced that the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, which was engulfed by fire on Wednesday, will be demolished once the blaze is fully extinguished.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the disclosure during a visit to the site on Thursday, December 25, 2025, noting that a committee led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, will supervise the demolition process in the coming days.
No Casualties, Injured Taken to Hospital
The governor confirmed that there were no fatalities, and those who sustained severe injuries were promptly taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. He also urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant and practice safety precautions during the dry season, noting that Lagos Island has experienced multiple fire incidents in the past.
“All affected traders will receive government support, and first responders will remain on-site to prevent any recurrence,” the governor added.
Extent of the Damage
Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that three to four surrounding buildings were also impacted by the fire, with two sustaining severe damage and others partially affected.
“You will see that the main building has undergone a partial collapse. Eventually, we will have to demolish the entire structure. The committee will advise on the safest and quickest method for this demolition,” he said.
Fire Incident Details
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the fire originated from an apartment on the fourth floor, spreading rapidly upward to the sixth floor.
Emergency response units, including LASEMA, LASG Fire & Rescue, Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Nigeria Police, Red Cross, and LRU Paramedics, were deployed to contain the inferno.
The building, widely used as a warehouse for clothing traders, suffered extensive damage, prompting swift government action to secure the site and prevent further hazards.
Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that the demolition and recovery efforts would be carried out efficiently, with minimal disruption to surrounding areas, as part of the state government’s commitment to public safety and disaster management.
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