JUST IN: Gov Sanwo-Olu orders demolition after GNI constructing Christmas Eve hearth incident
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu says eight folks have been confirmed lifeless following the fireplace outbreak that destroyed the Nice Nigeria Insurance coverage (GNI) constructing in Lagos on December 24, 2025.
The Lagos governor disclosed this on Friday after visiting the location of the incident, including that 5 of the deceased victims have been recognized, whereas three stay unidentified.
His phrases: “My deepest sympathies stay with the households who misplaced family members and with everybody whose properties and companies have been affected. I do know that no phrases can totally ease the ache they’re going via.”
Sanwo-Olu stated an data centre has been established on the website to assist affected individuals and supply updates.
His phrases: “Anybody requiring help or data can communicate with officers from LASEMA, NEMA, LASBCA, and the opposite responding businesses.
“Your complete space stays unsafe, and no enterprise or unauthorised exercise must be happening there. The market is closed, and solely first responders are permitted on the location.”
He added that emergency groups have been nonetheless working fastidiously via the particles to make sure nobody stays trapped.
“Emergency groups proceed to work fastidiously via the rubble, significantly on the rear of the constructing, to make sure nobody stays trapped,” he stated.
Sanwo-Olu described the incident as a reminder of the hazards related to unsafe practices round markets.
“This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the hazards posed by sure practices across the market,” he stated.
“The unsafe use of turbines and the development of retailers round transformers considerably elevated the dangers on this space.”
He stated the GNI constructing could be demolished after a full structural overview, alongside some surrounding buildings.
“Following a full structural overview, the GNI constructing might be demolished utilizing the most secure potential strategies, and a few surrounding buildings should even be eliminated,” he stated.
“Whereas these are troublesome choices, we should prioritise the protection of lives above all else.”
The governor stated the state authorities would oversee the restoration course of and guarantee assist for affected households.
“My coronary heart is with each household affected, and I stay dedicated to overseeing the restoration course of and making certain we do proper by our folks,” he stated.