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

Governor Sanwo-Olu visited the scene on Thursday, confirming that a committee led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, will determine the safest and fastest method for demolition. The building will be brought down once the fire is fully extinguished.

Fire Origin and Impact

Preliminary findings indicate that the building, originally designed for office use, had been converted into a warehouse. Most floors stored highly combustible materials, which intensified the fire. Reports show the blaze began on the fourth and fifth floors before spreading rapidly to the upper levels late Wednesday night.

“This building has a history of fire incidents. Its current use as a warehouse storing flammable materials made firefighting extremely difficult,” the governor said. Despite the intensity, there were no fatalities. Between seven and ten people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital under the care of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) ambulances.

Partial Collapse and Demolition Plan

Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed that parts of the building had partially collapsed, making demolition inevitable. He emphasized the need for heightened fire safety awareness, especially during the dry harmattan season between December and February, when fire risks rise.

“People must stop storing highly inflammable materials in residential and office buildings, particularly in densely populated areas. Enforcement and advocacy will be intensified to prevent a repeat,” he said.

Ongoing Firefighting and Emergency Response

The operational commander of the Federal Fire Service in Lagos, Musa Emmanuel, stated that firefighters are still battling the blaze. He noted that the proximity of surrounding buildings and unknown materials within the GNI House complicated suppression efforts.

Multiple agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, Federal Fire Service, and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, are actively managing the situation.

More than ten buildings were affected, with at least two severely damaged and several partially impacted.

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The Lagos State Government has assured that property owners whose buildings are demolished during road construction will be adequately compensated but only if they obtained valid planning permits.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, gave the assurance during a public sensitisation programme organised by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) to educate stakeholders on the importance of obtaining planning permits.

Olumide explained that many buildings currently sited on the right of way would have to give way for upcoming road projects, stressing that such losses could be avoided through proper compliance.

“If any building sited on the right of way had obtained a planning permit, the owners would be adequately compensated,” he said.

No Arbitrary Demolitions

The commissioner also urged residents, Community Development Associations (CDAs), and Community Development Committees (CDCs) in Ojo, Badagry, Iba/Oto-Awori, Amuwo, Oriade, and Olorunda districts to regularise their property documentation. He reassured that there would be no arbitrary demolitions at the Trade Fair Complex and emphasised government’s commitment to orderly and sustainable urban development.

LASPPPA Encourages Public Engagement

The General Manager of LASPPPA, Kehinde Osinailke, reaffirmed the agency’s openness to the public and encouraged developers and professionals to seek guidance directly from LASPPPA.

“Our office doors are open to everyone. We are here to enlighten, support, and work with you to ensure compliance and promote a well-organised Lagos,” he said.

A Director in LASPPPA, Claudius Akinyemi, highlighted that planning permits can now be processed online for faster approvals. She noted that a valid permit not only legalises development but can serve as collateral for bank loans, and guarantees compensation if government projects affect the property.

Stakeholders React

During the interactive session, the President-General of Alaba International Amalgamated Council, High Chief (Dr.) Camilus Amajuoyi, pledged that traders and developers at the Alaba Trade Fair would now comply with planning regulations. Another stakeholder, High Chief Taofeek Oseni, called for a review of long-standing buildings constructed on government-acquired land without proper documentation.

Background

In September, the Lagos State Government began demolishing illegal and defective structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo. The operation targeted buildings erected without approval, on drainage channels, or within road setbacks. Agencies involved included LASBCA, LASURA, LASPPPA, and the Ministry of Physical Planning, among others.

The state has maintained that demolitions carried out without official authorisation or due process do not represent its position, referencing recent unapproved demolitions in FESTAC Town.

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The Lagos State Government has denied claims that a property in Ikeja was demolished without legal approval. The response follows an allegation made by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. Obi claimed that a building owned by his younger brother was pulled down without any proper legal backing.

Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, addressed the issue in a media chat. He stated that no demolition takes place in Lagos without following the law. “We follow the law in Lagos State. No building can be removed without due process,” he said. Omotoso added that he would speak with relevant agencies to confirm the details.

Peter Obi shared his account on social media. He said his brother’s company had owned the property for over 15 years. According to Obi, unknown individuals demolished the structure without presenting any court order. He described the situation as “coordinated lawlessness” and criticized what he called the breakdown of order in Nigeria.

Officials from two key agencies—Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA)—denied involvement. LABSCA’s spokesperson said the demolition did not come from their office. LASPPPA’s representative added that she was not aware of the incident and asked for any official documents that could identify the agency responsible.

Several government agencies in Lagos are authorized to enforce demolitions based on the type of violation. In this case, the responsible agency remains unclear. As of the time of reporting, no authority had taken responsibility, and the Commissioner was yet to follow up on his statement.

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