Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited the scene of a devastating fire at Balogun Market on Lagos Island on Thursday, December 25, 2025 (Christmas Day). The inferno, which began late on Christmas Eve, ravaged the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House, a prominent 22-storey high-rise on Martins Street.
During his on-the-spot assessment, the Governor expressed deep sadness over the tragedy and announced immediate government interventions.
Key Details of the Incident
- Origin: The fire reportedly started around 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December 24, on the 4th floor of the GNI building before spreading to the 6th floor and eventually affecting more than 10 surrounding structures.
- Casualties: While no lives were initially confirmed lost, seven people were hospitalised with severe burn injuries, and five others were treated for smoke inhalation.
- The Building: The GNI House is primarily used as a warehouse for clothing materials and shoes, which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Directives
Governor Sanwo-Olu took several decisive steps during his visit to ensure public safety and support for those affected:
- Demolition Order: The Governor ordered the total demolition of the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance building once the fire is completely extinguished, citing structural integrity concerns.
- Special Committee: A committee led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, has been tasked with overseeing the demolition.
- Support for Traders: Sanwo-Olu assured affected traders that the state government would provide support to help them recover from their massive financial losses.
- Safety Warning: He urged residents to stay clear of the area and advised Lagosians to be extra cautious during the dry season to prevent further outbreaks.
Emergency Response Challenges
Responders from LASEMA, the Federal Fire Service, and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service battled the blaze for over 10 hours. However, their efforts were hampered by:
- Accessibility: Narrow access routes that had been converted into shops blocked fire trucks from reaching the source.
- Combustible Materials: Large stockpiles of clothing and shoes served as fuel for the flames.
- Crowd Control: Large crowds of onlookers and traders attempting to salvage goods made it difficult for emergency teams to operate.
Note: As of Friday, December 26, 2025, search and rescue operations are ongoing, with reports that a few traders who went back into the building to rescue goods may still be trapped under the rubble of a collapsed section.
