Lagos Government Constitutes Committee to Demolish Fire-Damaged GNI Building on Lagos Island

The Lagos State Government has officially set up a Technical Recovery and Demolition Committee to oversee the controlled demolition of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building, which was severely damaged by fire on Lagos Island. The move comes as emergency operations continue to stabilize the precarious structure, ensuring public safety and mitigating further risks.

This decision follows a second inspection of the site by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on January 2, 2026, according to an update released by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS).

The newly established committee, led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, is tasked with creating and executing a meticulously planned demolition strategy for the GNI Building and its surrounding environment. Authorities emphasized that the demolition process would prioritize the safety of emergency personnel and the general public.

Current Status of the Fire-Damaged GNI Building

Officials have reported that the site remains highly unstable due to extensive debris and structural compromise caused by the fire. In a statement signed by LSFRS Controller General Margaret Adeseye, the area was described as “extremely sensitive and volatile,” with large volumes of rubble still present.

She highlighted that intermittent fire pockets continue to smolder within the debris. These fires are fueled not by the building itself but by combustible materials such as textiles, clothing, and stored goods that were buried under the rubble. Accessing these hotspots requires specialized technical planning and careful execution.

“These materials are deeply buried, and handling them demands extreme caution and professional expertise,” the statement read.

Authorities further clarified that while these smoldering pockets do not immediately threaten neighboring structures, uncoordinated debris removal could trigger additional collapse due to the weakened foundation. Some debris currently provides unintentional structural support, making precision critical.

Adherence to International Disaster Response Standards

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all ongoing operations align with international disaster response protocols, emphasizing responder safety above all else. Experts noted that incidents of this magnitude could take weeks or even months to fully resolve, depending on structural assessments and safety requirements.

The affected market and surrounding areas remain completely closed to the public, with access strictly limited to authorized personnel. Additionally, an information desk has been set up at the site to assist families, traders, and other stakeholders with inquiries.

Casualties and Search Operations

Preliminary reports indicate eight fatalities, with five victims identified and three yet to be identified. Fortunately, 13 people were rescued alive. Search operations continue in debris sections deemed safe, as emergency teams work to ensure no additional victims remain trapped.

Fire Safety Violations and Structural Risks

Investigations have revealed significant fire safety violations within the GNI Building, including:

• Excessive storage of combustible items from floor to ceiling
• Poor ventilation and lack of functional fire safety equipment
• Unsafe practices such as running generators inside shops near transformers

These hazardous conditions can cause spontaneous combustion and severe heat accumulation even in the absence of an external ignition source.

Public Assurance and Continued Emergency Operations

Controller General Margaret Adeseye reassured Lagos residents that emergency and recovery operations will continue until all risks are completely neutralized.

“All actions are deliberate, professional, and driven by safety considerations. Operations will continue until ground zero is fully assessed, and the incident is conclusively resolved,” she stated.

Residents are urged to continue observing safety regulations and avoid the affected areas to allow emergency responders to conduct their operations efficiently.