GNI Fire: Lagos Orders Residents To Relocate From Danger Zone

Following the fire outbreak that gutted the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, the Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, ordered residents living around the building to relocate from the danger zone.

The state government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has asked residents and businesses around the burnt building to leave immediately.

He said, ‘’The government sent in experts who evaluated the site of the fire and warned strongly against the inherent danger to lives and property of residents and businesses within 100 meters radius of the site.

‘’Several buildings around the scene of the fire are compromised and must be evacuated, according to experts. Shop owners are breaking into the no movement barrier zone created at the perimeter of the scene of fire. This is dangerous and must stop.”

In another development, the state government has announced the cancellation of the year 2025 Greater Lagos Fiesta, scheduled to be held on December 31, 2025.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday night, Governor Sanwo-Olu, while approving the cancellation, directed that in place of the Greater Lagos Fiesta (Countdown 2026), Lagosians should spend quality time in personal prayers for the nation, the state and the people of Lagos.

He also urged people to pray for “Our continued prosperity, leadership, peace, productivity and our continued general wellbeing.”

The governor wished all Lagosians a happy and prosperous year 2026, saying that the coming year shows great promise for the state and Nigeria. He, therefore, enjoined residents to continue to live in peace and harmony.

“On behalf of my family, I wish every resident of our dear state a happy and prosperous new year.

“I want to assure you all that the year 2026 will be a better year for us in the State, as our administration is determined to work twice as hard to deliver the goods for the residents of the state ,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.