By Busola Bamidele
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday visited the site of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building destroyed by fire on December 24, as small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) operating in the area continue to count their losses.
During the visit, the governor, who shared details on his official X handle, confirmed that eight people died in the incident. Five victims have been identified, while three remain unidentified. He added that 13 people were rescued alive by emergency responders.
The tragedy has severely disrupted business activities in the area, with the market shut down and all commercial operations suspended after authorities declared the environment unsafe. Many traders and small business owners have been displaced, losing stock, shops and daily income as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
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An information centre has been established at the site, with officers from LASEMA, NEMA, LASBCA and other responding agencies providing assistance and information to affected residents and business operators.
Governor Sanwo-Olu warned that unsafe practices common around markets, including improper use of generators and the construction of shops close to transformers, heighten fire risks for SMEs. He disclosed that following a structural assessment, the GNI building and some surrounding structures will be demolished, stressing that while the decision is difficult, safeguarding lives must come before business interests.
