What Happened?
The fire reportedly started on the fourth and fifth floors late on Christmas Eve and quickly spread to the upper levels. Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other agencies battled the blaze. Several people sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Government Response and Safety Measures
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu inspected the site and confirmed that parts of the building have partially collapsed, making demolition unavoidable. Preliminary investigations revealed that the building, over 50 years old, had been repurposed from office space to warehouse use, with flammable materials stored unsafely, complicating firefighting efforts.
The government has set up a special committee to oversee the demolition, ensuring it is carried out safely and efficiently.
Warnings to Nearby Residents
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has urged residents, traders, and occupants of neighbouring buildings to vacate the area immediately due to the risk of further collapse. Streets around the site have been temporarily closed to ensure public safety.
Impact and Next Steps
The fire affected not only the GNI House but also multiple adjacent buildings, disrupting commercial activities in the surrounding area. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and have reiterated the importance of fire safety compliance in older high-rise buildings, especially during the dry season.