The Lagos State Government will begin tearing down the damaged Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island this Thursday. This follows a serious fire that affected the high-rise building almost 10 months ago.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) shared this information in a safety notice from its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, on Wednesday.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the demolition was approved after a structural check by relevant agencies. They found that the building was a major risk to public safety.
“This necessary action has been approved after thorough structural assessment by relevant agencies which confirmed that the building poses a significant risk to public safety,” the statement read.
He added that the demolition will be done properly and safely, following global best practices to protect lives and property.
The PS mentioned that the area around the building will be blocked off. Access to the site will be limited throughout the demolition work.
He also warned of possible traffic changes on nearby streets, along with noise and dust during the demolition.
The PS urged residents, traders, business owners, and drivers to stay away from the affected area if they can. He encouraged people to use other routes and to follow instructions from emergency workers and traffic officials.
“We therefore appeal to all residents, business owners and motorists who live or operate within the area to cooperate fully with our emergency responders and traffic management officials,” the statement added.
The LASEMA boss noted that the agency will work with other state bodies to manage safety and make sure the demolition goes smoothly without harming anyone.
This demolition comes after the fire on December 24, 2025, which destroyed the 25-storey commercial building on Martins Street, Lagos Island. Traders in that building sold clothing, shoes, bags, and other goods.
Reports had shown that the fire started on Christmas Eve and quickly spread through the building and nearby structures.
Part of the building fell during the fire, trapping traders and others under the debris. At least three bodies were later found at the scene, and many people were injured. The fire also caused serious damage to goods and property in that busy area.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered that the building be brought down after he visited the site on December 25, 2025. He was troubled by how much damage had been done and mentioned that the building had faced fires before.
The state government then told occupants and businesses around the damaged building to leave. They warned that the fire had affected the safety of nearby structures.
This planned demolition aims to deal with the danger posed by the damaged building and reduce risks to traders, residents, and others who use the area.
LASEMA thanked Lagos residents for their cooperation and understanding, saying this exercise is part of efforts to make the state safer.
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