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By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged residents to remain calm following a fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.
The fire, which broke out on Tuesday evening (December 24), has not yet had its cause ascertained. Authorities confirmed no fatalities, though later reports indicated several injuries from smoke inhalation.
In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Governor Sanwo-Olu has been personally monitoring the situation since it was reported and immediately directed the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to intensify response efforts.
He also ordered the evacuation of adjoining buildings to ensure public safety.
According to official reports, a distress call was received at about 4:41 p.m., prompting a swift response from fire crews at the Ebute Elefun and Dolphin Fire Stations.
Additional support was later provided by the Sari-Iganmu Fire Station and the Alausa Headquarters. Firefighters arrived at the scene within 12 minutes, at approximately 4:53 p.m., and began coordinated efforts to contain the blaze.
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Preliminary findings indicate that the fire started on one of the lower floors of the building before spreading to other levels. The structure, which previously housed corporate offices, is currently used mainly as a warehouse and retail outlet for clothing materials.
The governor remained in constant communication with emergency responders and security agencies throughout the night. As of early morning on 25 December, the fire had largely been brought under control, though a section of the building later collapsed.
Sanwo-Olu specifically instructed that a thorough search of the building be conducted to ensure no individual was left behind, stressing that the protection of lives must take precedence over property.
“Our priority is the safety of lives. I have directed that the building and its surroundings be thoroughly secured and that emergency personnel must ensure that no one is left inside. I commend our firefighters and first responders for their swift and courageous response. Lagosians should remain calm; the situation is under control,” the governor said.
Security agencies have since cordoned off the affected area, while first responders continue safety assessments to prevent secondary incidents.
The Lagos State Government assured residents that it remains fully on top of the situation and will provide further updates as necessary.
