Emergency responders are still battling a massive fire that broke out at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island on Christmas Eve, more than 10 hours after it broke out.
Punch Online has learned that the fire, which broke out around 5pm on Wednesday, spread to at least four adjacent buildings, causing widespread damage in one of the city’s busiest commercial centres.
The fire reportedly broke out on the fourth or fifth floor of the high-rise building, which is primarily used for clothing storage, before spreading to other floors.
Video footage from the scene shared by NTA Network on Thursday showed thick smoke engulfing the building, bright orange flames shooting from multiple floors and debris strewn on the road below.
“More than 10 hours after a huge fire ripped through the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street in Lagos Island, emergency responders are yet to fully extinguish the fire,” the NTA said in a statement.
“Flames emanating from the building can still be seen from a distance, and residents and business owners are assessing the extent of the damage. Many in the area are having trouble sleeping. At least four buildings, including a church and a mosque, are affected by the fire.”
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu appealed to residents to remain calm following the incident.
Information Strategy Secretary Gbenga Omotoso said in a press release on Thursday that the cause of the fire was yet to be confirmed, but no casualties were recorded.
Omotojo said the governor, who had been personally monitoring the situation since the report, immediately directed the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to intensify response efforts and ensure the evacuation of adjacent buildings.
He said the distress call was received at around 4:41 p.m., and firefighters from Ebut-Elefan and Dolphin fire stations responded immediately, with reinforcements from Sari-Iganmu fire station and Alausa headquarters.
“Firefighters arrived on scene within 12 minutes at approximately 4:53 p.m. and began a coordinated containment operation,” he said.
He added that preliminary reports indicate that the fire started on the fifth floor of the building and then spread to other floors.
The Commissioner explained that the affected buildings were previously used as corporate office space, but now function primarily as a warehouse for clothing materials and a retail store.
Omotojo said the governor had been in constant contact with emergency responders and security agencies since early morning.
“At approximately 3:40 a.m., the fire was largely contained, but the governor was still receiving updates and issuing instructions.
“Our priority is the safety of life. I have directed that the building and its surroundings be secured and that emergency personnel ensure that no one is left inside.”
Mr. Sanwo-Olu also commended firefighters and first responders for their quick and brave response and assured Lagosians that the situation was under control.
“Lagosians should remain calm. The situation is under control,” he said.
Omotojo added that security agencies were deployed to cordon off the area, while first responders continued to conduct safety assessments to prevent secondary incidents. He assured residents that the Lagos State Government remained fully aware of the situation and would provide further updates as required.
