Lagos govt orders immediate evacuation of residents, businesses near burnt GNI tower

The Lagos State Government has said it is prepared to enforce Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive ordering the immediate evacuation of residents and businesses located around the burnt Great Nigeria Insurance, GNI, building.

This was made known in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, and shared on his official Facebook page.

DAILY POST reports that the 25-storey GNI building was gutted by fire on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

According to Omotoso, the decision to enforce the evacuation followed a detailed assessment of the affected structure by safety experts, who warned that the building now poses a serious threat to lives and property in the area.

“The Lagos State Government is set to enforce Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive that residents and businesses around the burnt Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building must vacate the area immediately,” the statement said.

“The government deployed experts to assess the site of the fire, and their findings clearly indicate significant danger to lives and property within a 100-metre radius of the building.

“Several surrounding structures have been compromised and must be evacuated as a precautionary measure.”

The commissioner also raised concerns over the conduct of some shop owners, noting that individuals have been breaching the restricted zone established around the fire site.

“Some shop owners are breaking through the no-movement barrier erected at the scene. This is extremely dangerous and must stop,” the statement added.

The state government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and urged affected residents and business owners to comply fully with the evacuation order in the interest of public safety.

Lagos govt orders immediate evacuation of residents, businesses near burnt GNI tower