Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the demolition of the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, once the fire incident is fully extinguished.
The governor gave the directive on Thursday during an on-the-spot assessment of the fire scene, which affected more than 10 surrounding buildings after it broke out late Wednesday at the GNI House near Balogun Market.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that a committee chaired by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, has been constituted to supervise the demolition process in the coming days.
He confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident, noting that individuals who sustained serious injuries have been taken to hospitals for treatment.
The governor urged residents and traders to remain safety-conscious, especially during the dry season, warning them to stay away from the affected area. He assured that emergency responders would remain on ground to prevent a recurrence and that the state government would provide support to traders impacted by the fire.
Following the incident, shops along Martins Street were shut, adjoining roads cordoned off, and commercial activities in the vicinity suspended as a precautionary measure. Although no fatalities were recorded, about seven persons were reportedly hospitalised due to injuries sustained during the inferno.
Emergency response teams, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA, Nigeria Police Force, FRSC, Federal Fire Service, and LASTMA, continue to manage the situation and secure the area.
