- Sanwo-Olu Assures Lagosians After Fire Outbreak at GNI Building
- The distress call was received at 4:41 pm, triggering a rapid deployment of firefighters
- Sanwo-Olu maintained constant communication with emergency responders and security agencies
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to residents to remain calm following the fire outbreak at the 25 storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the governor confirmed that no casualties were recorded in the incident, adding that the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
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In a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, Sanwo-Olu said he had been personally monitoring developments since the incident was reported.
According to the statement, the governor immediately directed the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to intensify its response and ordered the evacuation of nearby buildings to ensure public safety.
The distress call was received at 4:41 pm, triggering a rapid deployment of firefighters from the Ebute Elefun and Dolphin fire stations, with additional support from the Sari Iganmu Fire Station and the Alausa headquarters.
Fire crews arrived at the scene within 12 minutes, at 4:53 pm, and began coordinated efforts to contain the blaze.
Preliminary findings indicated that the fire originated from the fifth floor of the building before spreading to other levels.
The affected building, previously used as corporate office space, is now largely occupied as a warehouse and retail outlet for clothing materials.
Sanwo-Olu maintained constant communication with emergency responders and security agencies into the early hours of the following day. As at 3:40 am, when the fire had largely been brought under control, the governor was still receiving updates and issuing directives
He specifically instructed emergency teams to ensure that no one was left inside the building, stressing that the protection of human life remains paramount.
“Our priority is the safety of lives. I have directed that the building and its surroundings be fully secured and that emergency personnel must confirm that no individual is left behind,” the governor said.
He commended firefighters and first responders for their swift and courageous intervention, assuring residents that the situation was under control.
Security agencies have since cordoned off the area, while emergency teams continue safety assessments to prevent any secondary incidents.
The Lagos State Government assured residents that it remains fully in control of the situation and will continue to provide updates as necessary.
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