By Peter Omopo
A section of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, has collapsed following an intense fire that engulfed parts of the multi-storey structure on Thursday.
Government officials were on ground on Friday to secure the area and ensure public safety, as the affected section of the building has been declared unsafe. Several neighbouring buildings were also impacted by the fire, prompting shop owners in the vicinity to hurriedly pack their goods and vacate the area.
The development has heightened concerns over the structural integrity of buildings within the Lagos Island axis, particularly in densely built commercial zones.
The fire reportedly broke out at about 4:40 p.m., consuming parts of the 25-storey GNI building. TVC News had earlier reported that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, appealed for calm following the incident.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the state government said the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained but confirmed that no casualties were recorded.
According to the statement, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who has been closely monitoring the situation, immediately directed the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to intensify response efforts and ensure the evacuation of adjoining buildings to prevent further danger to lives and property.
Fire service officials said the distress call was received at 4:41 p.m., and crews from Ebute Elefun and Dolphin Fire Stations were promptly deployed, with reinforcements from the Sari Iganmu Fire Station and the Alausa headquarters. Firefighters arrived at the scene within 12 minutes, at about 4:53 p.m., and commenced coordinated containment operations.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire originated from the fifth floor of the building before spreading to other levels.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the inferno and assess the extent of structural damage to the building and surrounding properties.
