The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate evacuation of residents and businesses within the vicinity of the burnt Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building, citing serious safety concerns following expert assessments of the site.
The directive follows an earlier order by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which the state government said it is now set to enforce strictly. According to officials, experts deployed to evaluate the scene of the fire warned that the area poses significant danger to lives and property.
The experts disclosed that several buildings within a 100-metre radius of the burnt structure have been structurally compromised and must be evacuated to prevent further casualties.
The government also expressed concern over reports that some shop owners have been breaching the restricted zone around the site. Authorities described the action as extremely dangerous and warned that it must stop immediately.
The 25-storey GNI building was gutted by fire on December 24, causing widespread alarm in the area.
In a related development, a United Kingdom-based Nigerian medical doctor has raised fresh concerns over the 22-storey Nigeria House building on Lagos Island, which was also gutted by fire about six days ago. The doctor alleged that some victims may still be trapped beneath the rubble of the collapsed structure, days after the incident.
The Lagos State Government said it is closely monitoring developments and reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to comply fully with evacuation and safety directives.
The statement on the GNI building was signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso.