On Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made an on-the-spot assessment of the devastating fire that ravaged the iconic **Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House**, a 25-storey high-rise on Martins Street, Lagos Island. The inferno, which broke out late on Christmas Eve, December 24, had largely been contained by the time of his visit, but pockets of fire persisted as emergency responders continued their efforts.
The fire originated from the fourth or fifth floor of the building, rapidly spreading upwards due to the storage of highly combustible materials, including clothing and other goods. Originally designed as an office complex, the GNI House had been repurposed over the years into a warehousing and retail facility, exacerbating the blaze's intensity. The dense clustering of structures in the Balogun Market area allowed the flames to affect over 10 adjoining buildings, causing partial collapses in some and extensive damage to others.
During his inspection, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced a decisive measure: the complete demolition of the GNI Tower once the fire is fully extinguished. He cited structural instability, including existing partial collapses, and the building's history of fire incidents as reasons for this action. "The building has become a major threat to surrounding properties," he stated, emphasizing public safety.
To oversee the process, the governor constituted a committee chaired by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde. The panel will advise on the safest and most efficient demolition method, with works expected to commence in the coming days. Streets around Martins Street remained cordoned off, and traders in nearby shops were seen evacuating goods amid heightened caution.
Fortunately, no fatalities were recorded. However, between seven and ten individuals sustained injuries, primarily burns, and were promptly hospitalized by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). First responders—including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, LASEMA, Nigeria Police, and others—were commended for their swift arrival (within 15-20 minutes) and coordinated efforts that prevented greater loss of life.
Sanwo-Olu urged residents to remain calm and safety-conscious, particularly during the dry harmattan season when fire risks escalate. He assured support for affected traders and reiterated the government's commitment to preventing such incidents through stricter enforcement of building codes and fire safety regulations. "Lagos has shown resilience in difficult times, and we will get through this together," he said.
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