Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the controlled demolition of the Great Nigeria Insurance GNI building in central Lagos after a fire left the structure dangerously unstable.
The governor gave the directive on Friday during an inspection of the building on Martins Street.
Sanwo-Olu said a technical committee of experts found that the intense heat from the fire severely damaged the building’s structural integrity, making it unsafe.
“The safety of our citizens is our primary concern,” the governor said.
He explained that the demolition would be carried out in phases and under strict safety measures to prevent the building from collapsing onto nearby shops or pedestrians.
As part of precautionary steps, the state government has ordered the immediate closure of all shops along Martins Street. Traders have also been advised to remove their goods and relocate to safer areas.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency LASEMA has set up a complaint desk at the scene to assist families searching for missing persons or seeking information about those who may have been inside the building during the fire.
Although no timeline was given for the demolition, Sanwo-Olu assured residents that emergency and safety teams would remain at the site throughout the process.
Officials are also working to cordon off the area to protect nearby buildings in the busy commercial district.
