Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to residents of the state to stay calm following the fire outbreak that gutted the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the exact cause of the inferno is yet to be ascertained, but he confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident.
The statement noted that Governor Sanwo-Olu, who has been closely overseeing developments since the fire was reported, promptly ordered the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to escalate response operations and ensure the evacuation of nearby buildings to protect public safety.
It explained that after the distress call was received at 4:41 p.m., fire crews from the Ebute Elefun and Dolphin Fire Stations swiftly mobilised, with additional support from the Sari Iganmu Fire Station and the Alausa Headquarters. Firefighters arrived at the location within 12 minutes, by 4:53 p.m., and immediately began coordinated efforts to contain the blaze.
Preliminary findings revealed that the fire originated from the fifth floor of the building before spreading to other floors.
The building, which previously functioned as a corporate office complex, is now largely used as a warehouse and retail space for clothing materials.
Governor Sanwo-Olu was said to have maintained continuous contact with emergency responders and security agencies into the early hours of the following day. As of 3:40 a.m., when the fire had largely been brought under control, the governor was still receiving briefings and issuing necessary instructions.
He reportedly stressed that no one should be left inside the building, underscoring that the protection of human life takes precedence over property.
In his words, the Governor said, “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.
I commend our firefighters and first responders for their swift and courageous response. Lagosians should remain calm; the situation is under control.”
Security personnel have since been deployed to seal off the affected area, while emergency teams continue safety checks to avert any secondary incidents.
The Lagos State Government has reassured residents that it has the situation fully under control and will continue to provide updates as required.