Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition of 22-Storey Great Nigeria Insurance Building After Devastating Fire
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the demolition of the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building located on Martins Street, Lagos Island, following a massive fire that severely damaged the structure.
The governor announced the decision after personally visiting the scene to assess the extent of destruction and the potential risks posed by the weakened building.
The fire, which broke out on Wednesday evening, spread rapidly through several floors of the high-rise, largely due to the presence of flammable materials stored inside the building.
The GNI complex is known to house warehouses and commercial outlets dealing mainly in textiles and other combustible goods, which intensified the blaze and made firefighting efforts more challenging.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA, the Federal Fire Service, the police, and other safety units, were deployed to contain the inferno.
Firefighters worked through the night using specialised equipment to prevent the fire from spreading further to neighbouring structures in the densely built Lagos Island commercial district.
Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed that no deaths were recorded, though several people sustained injuries ranging from burns to smoke inhalation.
The injured were promptly evacuated and received medical attention at nearby health facilities. He commended emergency personnel for their swift response, noting that their actions helped avert a much larger tragedy in an area known for heavy human and commercial activity.
According to the governor, preliminary assessments revealed that the structural integrity of the building had been severely compromised, making it unsafe for rehabilitation or continued use.
He explained that expert advice from engineers and safety officials indicated that demolition was the safest option to prevent possible collapse, which could endanger lives and nearby properties.
Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that surrounding buildings suffered varying degrees of damage, with some structures affected by heat and smoke. As a precaution, the state government cordoned off the area, restricted movement, and suspended commercial activities around Martins Street to ensure public safety.
A technical committee has been set up by the state government to oversee the demolition process and determine the safest method and timeline for pulling down the building.
The governor assured residents and business owners that the exercise would be carried out with strict safety measures to minimise further disruption.
He used the incident to reiterate the importance of fire safety compliance, particularly in commercial buildings, urging property owners and traders to adhere strictly to safety regulations.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that prevention remains critical, especially during the dry season when fire outbreaks are more frequent.
The demolition of the GNI building marks another significant safety intervention by the Lagos State Government as it seeks to protect lives and property in the state’s busy commercial districts.
