Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has confirmed a tragic death toll of eight from the devastating fire that consumed the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island. The governor made the somber announcement on Friday, January 2, 2026, during a visit to the site nine days after the Christmas Eve inferno.
On-the-Spot Assessment Reveals Ongoing Dangers
Governor Sanwo-Olu conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the fire-ravaged structure, where pockets of fire were still visibly smoldering. He revealed that while 13 people were successfully rescued alive from the building, search and recovery operations had conclusively confirmed eight fatalities. The governor, describing the incident as deeply painful, led his entourage in observing a minute of silence to honour the lost lives.
Human Error and Hazardous Practices Blamed
Attributing the outbreak to human error, Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed the urgent need for stricter compliance with safety regulations across both commercial and residential buildings in Lagos. His inspection uncovered alarming practices that significantly heightened the risk. Multiple generators were found operating on different floors of nearby shopping plazas, a factor that contributed to the spread of the blaze.
The fire also affected several adjoining structures along Martins, Shitta, and Breadfruit streets. In a decisive move, the governor ordered that any building failing integrity tests after thorough technical assessments would be demolished. He warned residents, traders, and passers-by to stay away from the area as a phased and carefully controlled demolition of the affected GNI structure is planned.
Prioritize Life Over Property, Governor Urges
Governor Sanwo-Olu implored traders and business owners to prioritize their lives over material possessions during emergencies. He noted with regret that some of the victims had been initially safely evacuated but reportedly returned to the burning building to retrieve goods, ultimately becoming trapped.
To support affected families, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has established a help desk at the scene to record reports of missing persons whose shops or businesses were located in the affected plaza. The agency is collaborating with other emergency responders to ensure proper documentation and provide necessary support.
Accompanying the governor on the inspection were key officials including the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso; the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde; the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu; and the General Manager of the Lagos Command and Control Centre, Mr. Femi Kennedy-Giwa.
Martins Street remains closed to all business activities, with security personnel and emergency agencies maintaining a tight cordon around the area. The Lagos State Government has assured residents that further updates will be provided as recovery efforts and detailed structural assessments continue.
