Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the demolition of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building and some adjacent structures following a devastating fire that destroyed the facility on December 24, 2025.
The governor disclosed on his X account on Friday that eight people lost their lives in the fire, with five victims identified and three still missing. Thirteen individuals were rescued from the blaze. He warned residents and business owners that the area remains unsafe and restricted.
“No business or unauthorized activity should be taking place there. The area remains unsafe, and only first responders are permitted on the site,” Sanwo-Olu said during a visit to the scene. He added that emergency teams are continuing to search the debris, particularly at the rear of the building, to ensure no one remains trapped.
Following a structural assessment, the governor explained that demolition of the GNI building is unavoidable, and some surrounding structures must also be removed to protect public safety. “While these are difficult decisions, we must prioritize the safety of lives above all else,” he said, assuring that the state government will manage the recovery process and support affected families.
The fire at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House, located in the Balogun area of Lagos Island, sparked major concern due to the scale of destruction. Emergency responders battled the blaze late into the evening of December 24, as the building, widely used for clothing storage, was engulfed.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire began on the fourth floor and quickly spread upwards. The Controller-General of the agency, Margaret Adeseye, said firefighters worked to contain the blaze while ensuring public safety, noting that the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Sanwo-Olu had previously expressed deep sadness over the incident, describing the tragedy as painful and devastating for affected families and business owners.
The governor urged residents to prioritize safety and avoid the site as emergency and recovery operations continue.
