Governor Sanwo-Olu orders demolition of fire-ravaged insurance tower in Lagos

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the demolition of the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, following a devastating fire that engulfed the building on Wednesday.

Visiting the scene on Thursday, the governor expressed sympathy for those affected, noting that the full extent of the damage could not be captured in reports alone. He revealed that up to 10 people had been hospitalised due to injuries sustained during the fire.

“The building has experienced multiple fire incidents over the past few years, and the pattern has been consistent,” Sanwo-Olu said. “There have also been partial collapses in the main structure, so the safest option now is to bring it down entirely.”

A committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Special Duties, has been established to determine the safest and fastest method for demolition, with the operation expected to begin within days.

The governor also confirmed that the fire affected nearby buildings, including two heavily impacted structures and three partially affected ones. He assured the public that support would be provided to all those affected.

The blaze, which began around 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve from the fifth floor, spread across multiple floors and continued until Wednesday, impacting several neighbouring buildings such as the seven-storey Radio Nigeria building, Oluwole Plaza, a mosque, and other adjoining structures.

Sanwo-Olu took to X to pledge ongoing assistance, stating, “Lagos has always shown strength in difficult moments, and I believe we will get through this together.”