Sanwo-Olu Visits Great Nigeria Insurance House Fire Site, Confirms Partial Collapse And Demolition Plans

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has visited the site of the devastating fire that engulfed the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Christmas Eve.

The blaze, which reportedly began on the fourth and fifth floors, quickly spread across the building, now primarily used as a storage facility rather than offices.

Addressing reporters, the governor pointed out longstanding safety concerns. “This building has experienced fire incidents in the past. Its conversion into warehousing on nearly every floor, with flammable materials, made firefighting extremely difficult,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He explained that the fire escalated after initial responders, trained for ground-level emergencies, struggled to contain the flames on the higher floors.

Sanwo-Olu commended the prompt and coordinated response of the Lagos Fire Service, Lagos Emergency Response Team, Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Port Authority, and other agencies.

“Thankfully, no casualties have been reported, although several people received treatment and were taken to hospital,” he added.

Confirming partial structural collapses, the governor announced that the building is slated for demolition to prevent further hazards.