LASEMA
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has conducted a comprehensive safety and progress inspection of the ongoing controlled demolition of the distressed Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, personally led the inspection on Friday, as detailed in an official statement released to newsmen in Lagos.
Demonstrating a hands-on approach to site safety, Oke-Osanyintolu ascended to the 22nd floor of the structure via a demolition crane to evaluate workers’ adherence to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards, assess the operation of heavy-duty machinery, and verify the integrity of the secured perimeter cordons.
Speaking during the inspection, the Permanent Secretary explained that the removal of the 25-storey landmark would proceed in a cautious, gradual, and professionally regulated manner to prevent hazards to surrounding structures and ensure public safety.
He reassured nearby business operators, motorists, and residents that LASEMA and collaborating state agencies are actively managing traffic diversions to keep local disruptions to a minimum.
Oke-Osanyintolu urged members of the public to strictly observe safety barriers, follow instructions from emergency personnel, and utilize designated alternative traffic routes around the Balogun Market axis. He also commended the patience and cooperation demonstrated by local traders and community members.
The demolition marks the culmination of safety measures instituted following a major fire incident at the skyscraper on December 24, 2025:
The Incident: The blaze originated on the fifth floor of GNI House around 5:00 p.m. and rapidly spread to surrounding commercial properties and the nearby old Lagos Central Mosque, leading to extensive structural damage and partial collapses.
Government Intervention: Following post-disaster structural integrity assessments that revealed severe compromise, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered the full demolition of the edifice to avert a catastrophic collapse.
Execution: LASEMA officially flagged off the controlled demolition on October 15, 2026, cordoning off Martins Street and restricting access to the immediate vicinity until the operation is safely concluded.
Reiterating the administration’s resolve to protect life and property, Oke-Osanyintolu affirmed that robust safety protocols will remain in place until the site is completely cleared and declared safe.
