Sanwo-Olu urges Lagosians to remain calm following GNI building inferno

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged Lagosians to remain calm following the fire that engulfed the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, but no casualties have been reported.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotosho assured that the governor has been personally monitoring the situation since it was reported. He immediately directed the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to intensify response efforts and ensure the evacuation of adjoining buildings to guarantee public safety.

“When the distress call was received at 4:41 p.m., fire crews from Ebute Elefun and Dolphin Fire Stations responded promptly, reinforced by teams from Sari Iganmu Fire Station and Alausa Headquarters. Firefighters arrived within 12 minutes, at 4:53 p.m., and commenced coordinated containment efforts,” Omotosho said.

Preliminary reports indicate the fire started on the fifth floor before spreading to other levels. The affected structure, formerly used as corporate office space, currently serves mainly as a warehouse and retail outlet for clothing materials.

Omotosho added that Governor Sanwo-Olu remained in constant communication with emergency responders and security agencies well into the early hours. “As at 3:40 a.m., when the fire had largely subsided, the governor was still receiving updates and giving directives,” he said.

He noted that the governor specifically instructed that no individual be left behind in the building, emphasising the primacy of human life over property.

“Our priority is the safety of lives. I have directed that the building and its surroundings be thoroughly secured and that emergency personnel ensure no one is left inside. I commend our firefighters and first responders for their swift and courageous response. Lagosians should remain calm; the situation is under control,” the governor said.

Omotosho further stated that the Lagos State Government assures residents it remains fully on top of the situation and will continue to provide updates as necessary.