10 Months After Deadly Inferno, Lagos Begins Demolition Of GNI Building
Kehinde Adeleye
The Lagos State Government will begin the controlled demolition of the fire-ravaged Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island today, Thursday, nearly 10 months after a devastating inferno destroyed parts of the high-rise building.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) announced the exercise in a public safety advisory issued on Wednesday by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
According to the agency, the demolition was approved after structural assessments by relevant government agencies 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.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the exercise would be carried out in a controlled and professional manner, following established safety practices to protect lives and property.
He disclosed that the immediate surroundings of the building would be cordoned off, with access restricted throughout the operation.
Residents, traders and motorists were also warned to expect temporary traffic diversions on adjoining streets, as well as possible noise and dust during the demolition.
The LASEMA permanent secretary urged residents, business owners and motorists who operate within the area to avoid the affected location where possible, use alternative routes and comply with instructions from emergency responders and traffic management 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.
Oke-Osanyintolu said LASEMA would work with other state agencies to coordinate safety arrangements and ensure that the demolition was completed without harm to the public.
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.
The fire broke out on Christmas Eve and spread rapidly through the building and adjoining structures, causing extensive damage to goods and property in the busy commercial district.
Part of the building collapsed during the inferno, trapping traders and other occupants beneath the rubble. At least 3 bodies were subsequently recovered, while several people sustained injuries.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered the building’s demolition after visiting the scene on December 25, 2025, expressing concern over the extent of the destruction and noting that the structure had experienced previous fire incidents.
The state government subsequently directed occupants and businesses around the damaged building to leave the area, warning that the fire had compromised the safety of nearby structures.
The planned demolition is expected to eliminate the danger posed by the structurally damaged building and reduce risks to traders, residents and other people who use the area.
LASEMA thanked Lagos residents for their cooperation and understanding, describing the exercise as part of the state government’s efforts to protect lives and property.
