The Lagos State Government has approved the controlled demolition of the fire-ravaged Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island, nearly 10 months after a devastating inferno damaged the high-rise building.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) disclosed this in a public safety advisory issued on Wednesday by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the demolition followed structural assessments by relevant agencies, which found that the building posed a significant risk to public safety.

He explained that the operation would follow global best practices, with safety measures in place to protect lives and property.

“The immediate surroundings of the building will be cordoned off, and access to the area will be restricted throughout the operation,” he said.

Lagos Announces Traffic Diversions

LASEMA warned that the demolition could cause temporary traffic diversions on adjoining streets, alongside noise and dust.

The agency urged residents, traders, business owners and motorists to avoid the affected area where possible, use alternative routes and comply with instructions from emergency responders and traffic management officials.

Oke-Osanyintolu said LASEMA would work with other state agencies to coordinate safety arrangements and ensure the exercise proceeded without harm to the public.

He also appealed to people living or operating around the building to cooperate with emergency responders throughout the operation.

Building Was Damaged In December 2025 Fire

The planned demolition follows a fire that engulfed the 25-storey commercial building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025.

The building housed traders selling and storing clothing materials, shoes, bags and other goods.

Reports said the fire spread rapidly through the structure and adjoining buildings. Part of the building collapsed during the incident, trapping traders and other occupants beneath the rubble.

At least three bodies were subsequently recovered, while several people sustained injuries. The inferno also destroyed goods and damaged properties in the busy commercial district.

Sanwo-Olu Ordered Demolition After Inspection

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered the building’s demolition after visiting the scene on December 25, 2025.

The governor expressed concern about the extent of the damage and noted that the building had experienced previous fire incidents.

The state government subsequently directed occupants and businesses around the damaged structure to leave the area, warning that the fire had compromised the safety of nearby buildings.

The demolition is intended to eliminate the danger posed by the structurally damaged building and reduce risks to traders, residents and other people who use the area.

LASEMA thanked residents for their cooperation, describing the exercise as part of the state government’s efforts to improve public safety.

Lagos Begins Controlled Demolition Of Fire-Ravaged Great Nigeria Insurance House

The Lagos State Government has approved the controlled demolition of the fire-ravaged Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island, nearly 10 months after a devastating inferno damaged the high-rise building.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) disclosed this in a public safety advisory issued on Wednesday by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the demolition followed structural assessments by relevant agencies, which found that the building posed a significant risk to public safety.

He explained that the operation would follow global best practices, with safety measures in place to protect lives and property.

“The immediate surroundings of the building will be cordoned off, and access to the area will be restricted throughout the operation,” he said.

Lagos Announces Traffic Diversions

LASEMA warned that the demolition could cause temporary traffic diversions on adjoining streets, alongside noise and dust.

The agency urged residents, traders, business owners and motorists to avoid the affected area where possible, use alternative routes and comply with instructions from emergency responders and traffic management officials.

Oke-Osanyintolu said LASEMA would work with other state agencies to coordinate safety arrangements and ensure the exercise proceeded without harm to the public.

He also appealed to people living or operating around the building to cooperate with emergency responders throughout the operation.

Building Was Damaged In December 2025 Fire

The planned demolition follows a fire that engulfed the 25-storey commercial building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025.

The building housed traders selling and storing clothing materials, shoes, bags and other goods.

Reports said the fire spread rapidly through the structure and adjoining buildings. Part of the building collapsed during the incident, trapping traders and other occupants beneath the rubble.

At least three bodies were subsequently recovered, while several people sustained injuries. The inferno also destroyed goods and damaged properties in the busy commercial district.

Sanwo-Olu Ordered Demolition After Inspection

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered the building’s demolition after visiting the scene on December 25, 2025.

The governor expressed concern about the extent of the damage and noted that the building had experienced previous fire incidents.

The state government subsequently directed occupants and businesses around the damaged structure to leave the area, warning that the fire had compromised the safety of nearby buildings.

The demolition is intended to eliminate the danger posed by the structurally damaged building and reduce risks to traders, residents and other people who use the area.

LASEMA thanked residents for their cooperation, describing the exercise as part of the state government’s efforts to improve public safety.

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