Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on residents to remain calm following the fire at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island. No casualties have been reported, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the Governor has been personally monitoring the incident and directed the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to intensify response efforts, including the evacuation of neighboring buildings to ensure public safety. Fire crews from Ebute Elefun, Dolphin, and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations, reinforced by Alausa Headquarters, arrived at the scene within 12 minutes of the distress call and quickly began containment operations.
Preliminary reports indicate the fire started on the fifth floor before spreading to other levels. The building, previously used as corporate office space, now functions mainly as a warehouse and retail outlet for clothing materials. Governor Sanwo-Olu maintained constant communication with emergency teams throughout the night, giving directives and receiving updates until the fire largely subsided in the early hours of the morning.
Mediaplusng.com reports that security agencies have cordoned off the area while first responders continue safety assessments to prevent secondary incidents. Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that human life remains the top priority, commending firefighters and first responders for their swift and courageous actions, and assured Lagosians that the situation is under control.
