Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to residents to remain calm following a fire outbreak at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.
The fire, whose cause has yet to be determined, broke out on Wednesday afternoon but was brought under control without any reported casualties.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who personally monitored the situation from the time the incident was reported, immediately directed the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to intensify emergency response efforts. He also ordered the evacuation of adjoining buildings as a precautionary measure to safeguard lives and property.
According to official reports, the distress call was received at about 4:41 p.m., prompting a swift response from fire crews at the Ebute Elefun and Dolphin Fire Stations. Additional support was provided by teams from the Sari Iganmu Fire Station and the Alausa headquarters. Firefighters arrived at the scene within 12 minutes, at approximately 4:53 p.m., and began coordinated containment operations.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire originated from the fifth floor of the building before spreading to other levels. The structure, previously used as a corporate office complex, currently functions largely as a warehouse and retail outlet for clothing materials.
The governor remained in close contact with emergency responders and security agencies well into the early hours of Thursday. As of about 3:40 a.m., when the fire had largely subsided, he continued to receive updates and issue directives.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that the protection of lives remained paramount, instructing emergency personnel to ensure that no individual was left inside the building.
“Our priority is the safety of lives. I have directed that the building and its surroundings be thoroughly secured and that emergency personnel must ensure that no one is left inside,” the governor said. “I commend our firefighters and first responders for their swift and courageous response. Lagosians should remain calm; the situation is under control.”
Security agencies have since cordoned off the affected area, while first responders continue safety assessments to prevent any secondary incidents.
The Lagos State Government assured residents that it remains fully in control of the situation and will provide further updates as necessary.
