Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the controlled demolition of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House located on Martins Street, Lagos Island, following the devastating Christmas Eve inferno that engulfed the iconic high-rise building.
The fire, which broke out late on December 24, reduced the 22 to 25-storey structure to rubble and claimed several lives, marking one of the most tragic fire incidents in recent times on Lagos Island. Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed that eight people lost their lives in the incident, with five victims already identified while efforts continue to establish the identities of three others. Thirteen persons were rescued alive from the building in the aftermath of the blaze.
In a statement shared via his official X account on Friday, the governor described the incident as a painful tragedy and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones. He also commended the swift response of emergency agencies whose intervention helped to rescue survivors and prevent further casualties.
Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the site, Sanwo-Olu stressed that public safety remains the overriding priority of his administration. He warned residents, business owners, and members of the public to stay away from the affected area, noting that the structure remains highly unstable and dangerous.
“No business or unauthorized activity should be taking place there. The area remains unsafe, and only first responders are permitted on the site,” the governor said.
He added that emergency personnel were continuing painstaking search-and-rescue operations, particularly at the rear section of the building, to ensure that no individual remained trapped beneath the debris.
“Emergency teams continue to work carefully through the rubble, especially at the rear of the building, to confirm that there are no more victims. We are being thorough because every life matters,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
To enhance coordination and information flow, the Lagos State Government has established an information and assistance centre near the site of the disaster. The centre is jointly staffed by officers from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). It is expected to serve as a point of contact for families seeking information about missing persons, rescued victims, and ongoing recovery efforts.
Preliminary findings by relevant authorities indicated that unsafe practices significantly contributed to the scale and intensity of the fire. These include the improper use of power-generating sets, as well as shops and other structures constructed too close to electrical transformers within and around the building. Officials noted that such violations of safety regulations created conditions that allowed the fire to spread rapidly and made rescue operations more hazardous.
Following a comprehensive structural integrity assessment conducted by LASBCA and other technical experts, the GNI House was declared structurally unsound and unsafe for rehabilitation. Consequently, the governor approved its demolition to avert the risk of a sudden collapse that could result in additional loss of life or property.
“Following a full structural review, the GNI building will be demolished using the safest possible methods. Some surrounding buildings must also be removed to prevent further risks,” Sanwo-Olu explained.
He acknowledged that the decision to demolish not only the damaged building but also nearby structures was a difficult one, particularly for occupants and business owners who may be affected. However, he emphasized that safeguarding lives must take precedence over all other considerations.
“While these are difficult decisions, we must prioritise the safety of lives above all else,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to enforcing building safety regulations across the state, especially in densely populated commercial areas such as Lagos Island. He warned that operators who flout safety standards, including illegal modifications, unsafe electrical connections, and improper placement of generators, would face sanctions.
The governor also assured residents that the state government would continue to support families affected by the tragedy, including those who lost loved ones, as well as survivors who sustained injuries.
“My heart is with every family affected by this tragic incident. We will continue to oversee the recovery process and ensure that those impacted receive the necessary support,” he said.
The Christmas Eve fire at the GNI building has reignited public debate on fire safety, building regulation enforcement, and urban planning in Lagos, particularly in older parts of the city where aging infrastructure and overcrowding pose persistent risks.
As demolition preparations get underway, residents and business owners in the area have been urged to cooperate fully with authorities to facilitate a safe and orderly process. The Lagos State Government has maintained that the operation will be carried out in a controlled manner to minimise disruption and prevent secondary incidents.
With investigations into the precise cause of the fire still ongoing, officials have reiterated the need for strict adherence to safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The government has also pledged to review existing safety enforcement mechanisms to strengthen compliance and protect lives.
As Lagos mourns the victims of the GNI House fire, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s directive underscores a renewed emphasis on public safety, accountability, and proactive risk management in the state’s rapidly evolving urban environment.
