The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building and some adjoining structures following the deadly fire outbreak that occurred at the facility on December 24.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the disclosure in a statement posted on his official X account on Friday, warning residents and business owners that the area around the affected building remains unsafe and under restriction.

According to the governor, the inferno claimed the lives of eight people, five of whom have been identified, while three victims remain unidentified. He added that 13 persons were rescued during the emergency response.

Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the scene, Sanwo-Olu stressed that all activities around the site must stop immediately to avoid further casualties.

“No business or unauthorised activity should be taking place there. The area remains unsafe, and only emergency responders are permitted on site,” the governor said.

He explained that search-and-rescue operations were still ongoing, particularly around the rear section of the building, to ensure that no victims remained trapped beneath the rubble.

“Emergency teams are continuing careful operations through the debris to confirm that no one is left behind,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu revealed that a comprehensive structural integrity assessment had shown that the GNI building could no longer be salvaged, making demolition unavoidable. He noted that nearby structures would also be pulled down in the interest of public safety.

“Following a full structural review, the GNI building will be demolished using the safest possible methods. Some surrounding buildings must also be removed. These are difficult decisions, but the safety of lives must come first,” he said.

The governor assured Lagos residents that the state government would handle the recovery process responsibly and provide necessary support to families affected by the tragedy.

“My heart goes out to every family affected. Safety remains our top priority,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

The fire, which occurred at the Great Nigeria House in the Balogun area of Lagos Island, sparked widespread concern due to the building’s use as a commercial warehouse. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident.

Earlier reports indicated that emergency responders battled the blaze for several hours as it engulfed multiple floors of the high-rise structure. Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that the fire originated from the upper section of the building, though its exact cause is yet to be determined.