Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is set to return to the scene of the devastating fire at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building on Lagos Island on Friday, January 2, 2026, eight days after the tragic incident.
The governor’s visit is expected to centre on a detailed on-site evaluation of the structure ahead of its planned controlled demolition. Findings from integrity assessments have reportedly confirmed that the building has suffered severe structural damage, making demolition unavoidable.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has established a Help Desk at the location to address concerns surrounding individuals still believed to be missing following the inferno.
The initiative comes amid growing public concern, with families expressing fears that their loved ones may remain trapped beneath the debris from collapsed sections of the building.
Confirming the development, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, expressed sympathy to affected families and reassured the public of the agency’s commitment to ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
“We once again extend our condolences to families who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident. May God grant them the strength to bear this painful loss,” he said.
According to him, the Help Desk will serve as a point of contact for families to submit information on persons believed to have been trapped in the building. Such information, he noted, will be verified, documented and compiled into a consolidated list to support recovery, identification and further emergency operations.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu added that search efforts at the site remain ongoing to ensure that no victim is left behind. He also disclosed that LASEMA is working in close collaboration with relevant emergency response, health and security agencies to guarantee a coordinated and thorough operation.
Reaffirming the agency’s mandate, he said LASEMA remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to provide timely updates as the situation evolves.
He further urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with emergency officials and steer clear of the affected area to allow responders to carry out their duties effectively.
