The Lagos State Government has ordered residents and business operators around the burnt Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, to vacate the area immediately over safety concerns. The directive followed assessments by structural experts after a fire gutted the 25-storey building. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed the order in a statement on Tuesday.
Mr Omotoso said the action was in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to prevent loss of lives and property. He noted that experts warned that buildings within a 100-metre radius were at serious risk. “Based on expert evaluation, several buildings around the scene have been compromised and must be evacuated immediately,” he said.
The commissioner added that the structural integrity of the burnt building could no longer be guaranteed, warning that continued human and commercial activities posed grave danger. He expressed concern over violations of the safety cordon, saying, “We have observed shop owners breaking into the restricted zone. This is extremely dangerous and must stop forthwith.” He said the government would enforce compliance if necessary.