More than seven months after a devastating fire gutted the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, the Lagos State Government has commenced a controlled demolition of the structure and restricted access to the surrounding area over safety concerns.
The demolition exercise, being coordinated by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), follows a comprehensive structural assessment which found the fire-damaged building unsafe. According to the agency, the operation is being carried out in line with international best practices on urban safety, disaster risk management and public health protection.
In a statement issued on Friday, by LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the building and its immediate surroundings have been declared a restricted and hazardous zone, warning residents, traders, customers and other members of the public to stay away throughout the demolition exercise.
The agency directed that all trading, parking, loading and other commercial activities around the building be suspended until the area is certified safe, warning that falling debris or a possible structural collapse could pose serious risks to lives and property.
To ensure public safety, LASEMA said the site has been barricaded with warning signs, while security personnel have been deployed to prevent unauthorised access and manage pedestrian and vehicular movement around the area.
It added that the demolition contractor had been directed to carry out the operation only after conducting a detailed structural assessment and in strict compliance with established safety regulations. Dust suppression measures, traffic management plans and pedestrian control systems have also been put in place to minimise disruption.
The agency said all personnel involved in the exercise are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, while heavy machinery operators have been instructed to ensure their equipment is in good working condition before use.
Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASAMBUS, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Nigeria Police Force, LASTMA, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and other relevant agencies, have also been deployed to provide security, emergency medical support and crowd control throughout the operation.
LASEMA said continuous public sensitisation would be carried out to discourage residents, traders and onlookers from gathering around the demolition site until the exercise is completed and the area is officially declared safe.
While acknowledging the economic importance of Martins Street to businesses on Lagos Island, the agency said the temporary restrictions were necessary to safeguard lives and property and ensure the demolition is carried out safely and professionally.
The government urged members of the public to cooperate with security and emergency personnel and report any safety concerns through the Lagos State emergency toll-free lines 112 or 767.
It further thanked residents and business owners for their patience and cooperation as the government works to restore safety and normalcy to the area.