Sanwo-Olu Probes Great Nigeria Insurance Building Fire

Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has visited the scene of the fire outbreak at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

The visit followed the inferno, which broke out on Wednesday evening, drawing emergency response teams, including firefighters and other safety agencies, to the area.

Addressing journalists at the scene after the visit, Governor Sanwo-Olu said he had constituted a committee to investigate the cause of the fire and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.

He said the 22-storey building would be demolished due to the level of damage, once the inferno is extinguished.

According to the governor, the committee would be headed by the commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Gbenga Oyerinde, who will also oversee the demolition exercise expected to take place in the coming days.

Sanwo-Olu commended first responders for their swift intervention, noting that their prompt action helped avert loss of lives.

He also sympathised with occupants and business owners who lost property in the incident, assuring them of the state government’s support and commitment to ensuring public safety.

The governor urged residents to be safety-conscious, particularly during the dry season, noting that fire incidents have occurred repeatedly on Lagos Island.

He advised residents and traders to stay away from the affected area.

He added that all first responders would remain on the ground to prevent a recurrence of the fire, while the state government would support affected traders.

The fire, which started at the GNI Building located within the Balogun Market area, spread to adjoining structures, affecting more than 10 buildings.

When the scene was visited, traders in nearby buildings were seen evacuating their shops.

As of the time of filing this report on Thursday, the cause of the fire had yet to be determined.

Authorities confirmed that no fatalities were recorded in the incident, although about seven people were hospitalised after sustaining injuries.

Efforts were still ongoing to fully contain the fire and assess the extent of damage to the affected structures.