Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the immediate demolition of the iconic Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House, a 25-storey high-rise on Lagos Island, following a devastating fire that ravaged the building and several adjoining structures on Christmas Day. The inferno, which ignited on Christmas Eve, prompted an urgent on-the-spot assessment by the governor, who cited severe structural instability and a history of fire incidents as critical factors necessitating the building’s complete removal for public safety. This decisive action underscores the state government’s commitment to urban safety standards in one of Africa’s most densely populated cities.
The blaze, which originated from the fourth or fifth floor of the historic edifice on Martins Street, rapidly escalated due to the extensive storage of highly combustible materials, including textiles and various goods, within the building. Originally conceived as a modern office complex, the GNI House had undergone significant repurposing over the years, transforming into a de facto warehousing and retail hub for the bustling Balogun Market area. This alteration in use created a highly volatile environment, contributing to the intensity and swift spread of the flames across multiple levels.
Emergency services battled the inferno for hours, with pockets of fire still active during Governor Sanwo-Olu’s inspection on December 25, 2025. The dense clustering of commercial structures in the vicinity meant the conflagration quickly extended beyond the GNI House, affecting more than ten neighbouring buildings. Some of these structures suffered partial collapses, while others sustained extensive damage, highlighting the significant risks posed by uncontrolled fires in tightly packed urban commercial districts.
Addressing the media at the scene, Governor Sanwo-Olu unequivocally stated that the GNI Tower posed “a major threat to surrounding properties and public safety.” He emphasised that the decision to demolish was not taken lightly but was a necessary measure to prevent future catastrophes, given the building’s compromised structural integrity and its recurring role in fire incidents. The governor’s directive ensures that once the remaining embers are fully extinguished and the site is declared safe, demolition work will commence without delay.
To ensure a methodical and secure demolition process, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the formation of a special committee. Chaired by Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, this panel is tasked with advising on the safest and most efficient methods for bringing down the high-rise. Its mandate includes overseeing the entire operation, which is anticipated to begin in the coming days, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum safety for the surrounding community and infrastructure.
In the immediate aftermath, sections of Martins Street and surrounding arteries remained cordoned off, impeding regular commercial activities and prompting traders in adjacent shops to evacuate their merchandise as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, despite the scale and intensity of the fire, no fatalities were reported. However, between seven and ten individuals sustained injuries, primarily burns, and received prompt medical attention and hospitalization facilitated by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
The coordinated response of various first responder agencies earned commendation from Governor Sanwo-Olu. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, LASEMA, the Nigeria Police, and other auxiliary teams arrived swiftly, within 15-20 minutes of the initial alarm, and worked tirelessly to contain the blaze. Their collaborative efforts were instrumental in preventing a greater loss of life and mitigating the overall extent of the destruction, showcasing the resilience and professionalism of Lagos’s emergency apparatus.
Beyond the immediate response, the governor used the occasion to issue a public appeal for heightened safety consciousness among residents, particularly during the prevailing dry harmattan season, which significantly elevates fire risks across the state. He assured affected traders of government support to help them navigate the economic dislocation caused by the disaster, underscoring the administration’s commitment to community welfare and economic stability.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated the government’s resolve to enforce building codes and fire safety regulations more stringently across Lagos. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adherence to approved building plans and fire prevention protocols, especially in commercial districts where high-value goods and large numbers of people converge daily. The government aims to proactively prevent similar tragedies by ensuring compliance and accountability.
The GNI House, a landmark since its construction, represented not just a commercial property but a piece of Lagos’s architectural and economic history. Its demise marks a pivotal moment for urban planning and safety in the state. The incident is expected to catalyse broader discussions on the repurposing of old structures, the challenges of informal commercial activities in formal buildings, and the urgent need for a robust regulatory framework that adapts to the evolving urban landscape of Lagos Island.
The governor’s concluding remarks underscored a message of unity and determination: “Lagos has shown resilience in difficult times, and we will get through this together.” This sentiment aims to reassure the populace and galvanise collective efforts towards rebuilding and reinforcing safety standards, ensuring that the vibrant commercial spirit of Lagos Island can continue to thrive securely. The incident, while tragic, presents an opportunity for a renewed focus on sustainable and safe urban development.
