The Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building, destroyed by fire on December 24 Photo: Lagos State
The Lagos State Government will on Thursday begin the controlled demolition of the fire-ravaged Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island, nearly 10 months after a devastating inferno swept through the high-rise building.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency disclosed this in a public safety advisory issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, on Wednesday.
Oke-Osanyintolu stated that the demolition was approved following a structural assessment by relevant agencies, which confirmed that the building posed a significant risk to public safety.
“This necessary action has been approved after thorough structural assessment by relevant agencies which confirmed that the building poses a significant risk to public safety,” the statement read.
He noted that the exercise would be conducted professionally and in a controlled manner, using global best practices to protect lives and property.
The PS added that the immediate surroundings of the building would be cordoned off, while access to the area would be restricted throughout the operation.
He also warned of temporary traffic diversions on adjoining streets, as well as possible noise and dust during the demolition.
The PS urged residents, traders, business owners and motorists to avoid the affected area where possible, use alternative routes and obey instructions from emergency responders and traffic officials.
“We therefore appeal to all residents, business owners and motorists who live or operate within the area to cooperate fully with our emergency responders and traffic management officials,” the statement added.
The LASEMA boss noted that the agency would work with other state agencies to coordinate safety arrangements and ensure that the operation was carried out without harm to anyone.
The demolition follows the December 24, 2025, fire that engulfed the 25-storey commercial building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, where traders stored and sold clothing materials, shoes, bags and other goods.
PUNCH Online had reported that the fire broke out on Christmas Eve and spread rapidly through the building and adjoining structures.
A section of the building had collapsed during the inferno, trapping traders and other occupants beneath the rubble.
No fewer than three bodies were subsequently recovered from the scene, while several people sustained injuries. The fire also caused extensive damage to goods and properties in the busy commercial district.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered the demolition of the building after visiting the scene on December 25, 2025, and expressing concern over the extent of the damage. He also noted that the building had experienced previous fire incidents.
The state government subsequently directed occupants and businesses around the damaged structure to leave the area, warning that the fire had compromised the safety of nearby buildings.
The planned demolition is expected to address the danger posed by the structurally distressed building and reduce the risk to traders, residents and other people who use the area.
LASEMA thanked Lagos residents for their cooperation and understanding, saying the exercise was part of efforts to make the state safer.