Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the immediate demolition of the fire-ravaged 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building on Martins Street, Lagos Island. The order follows a deadly inferno on December 24, 2025, that claimed eight lives and injured 13 others. Emergency teams continue sifting through debris for potential additional victims.
The blaze erupted around 4:41 p.m. on the fourth or fifth floor of the GNI Plaza, a commercial hub in the bustling Balogun Market area originally designed for offices but repurposed as a warehouse for flammable clothing materials. Flames rapidly spread upward and to adjoining structures, including a mosque, prompting swift response from Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA, and other agencies. A section of about seven floors collapsed during the fire, complicating rescue operations.
Casualty and Response Update
Governor Sanwo-Olu, during a Friday site visit, confirmed eight fatalities—five identified and three unidentified due to severe burns—with 13 rescues including a firefighter. An information center aids families, while responders focus on the building’s rear. The state has closed the surrounding market, restricting access to first responders only.
Demolition Directive
A structural assessment deemed the building and nearby shops unsafe from fire-induced damage, leading to a phased, controlled demolition led by a committee under Commissioner Gbenga Oyerinde. Sanwo-Olu emphasized prioritizing public safety over economic activity, warning against generator misuse near transformers. The Shitta-Bey family, building owners, confirmed insurance coverage and cooperation with authorities.
Do you want to advertise with us?
Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event?
Contact us on WhatsApp +2348033617468, +234 816 612 1513, +234 703 010 7174
or Email: validviewnetwork@gmail.com
CLICK TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP
Broader Fire Safety Concerns
This tragedy marks the third major Yuletide blaze in Lagos markets within a week, after incidents at Ikotun Roundabout (24 shops gutted) and Arena Market in Oshodi (10 container shops affected), highlighting persistent risks from poor electrical practices. Authorities urge stricter fire prevention in high-density commercial zones like Balogun, Mile 12, and Ladipo.
