Great Nigeria Insurance Plc (GNI) has issued a formal statement to address public concerns following a fire incident at a prominent Lagos Island property known as GNI House.
Details of the Fire Incident and GNI's Position
The fire outbreak occurred at the building located at 47/57 Martins Street, Lagos Island, during the recent Christmas holiday period. In its response, the insurance company expressed sympathy for all individuals impacted by the unfortunate event.
GNI took the opportunity to clarify its current relationship with the property. The firm holds a long-term lease agreement for the site from the Shitta-Bey family, which is legally set to expire on December 31, 2036. As part of its strategic investments, GNI developed the land into a 25-storey building.
Ongoing Legal Dispute and Possession Issues
The insurer disclosed that it has been involved in a protracted legal dispute with the property's owners, the Shitta-Bey family. According to GNI, the family initiated several court cases against the company, all of which were reportedly resolved in GNI's favour.
However, the situation escalated in 2020. GNI alleges that while appeals from the earlier cases were still pending, the Shitta-Bey family forcefully took over the property without legal authorisation. The family then proceeded to lease the building to third-party tenants.
"GNI has, for over five years, been denied physical possession of the property. The company has no dealings whatsoever with the management or the tenants currently occupying the building," the company's statement emphasized.
Reassurance to Customers and Stakeholders
GNI moved swiftly to reassure its customers and the wider public that the fire incident has no bearing on its insurance operations or service delivery. The company stressed that it does not conduct its business from the affected Martins Street building.
The insurer confirmed that its head office remains fully operational at No. 8 Omo Osagie Street, off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. All business activities continue uninterrupted from this location and through its nationwide branch network.
GNI thanked its customers and stakeholders for their concern and support, urging the public to note that the provision of its insurance services across Nigeria remains completely unaffected by the Lagos Island fire.
