A major fire broke out at the iconic Great Nigeria Insurance House, a 22-storey commercial high-rise on Martins Street in the bustling heart of Lagos Island, on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2025, destroying goods worth millions of naira and prompting fears of trapped traders.
The blaze, which started around 5:00 p.m. from an office or apartment on the fourth or fifth floor, rapidly spread upward, reaching at least the sixth floor and engulfing multiple levels of the building.
The structure, widely used as a warehouse and retail hub for clothing materials alongside corporate offices, saw thick smoke billowing into the sky as emergency responders battled the inferno late into the evening.
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyitolu, confirmed the incident, stating that preliminary investigations pointed to the fire originating on the fourth floor before escalating quickly.
LASEMA issued an urgent evacuation order for residents and traders in the vicinity due to risks to adjoining buildings and public safety.
No casualties have been reported as of the latest updates, though initial concerns were raised about traders potentially trapped inside.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, led by Controller-General Margaret Adeseye, noted a swift response after receiving a distress call at approximately 4:41 p.m., with firefighters on scene within minutes.
A multi-agency operation is underway, involving the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, LASEMA, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Red Cross, and Lagos Response Unit (LRU) Paramedics.
Six fire trucks, a skylift, and additional units have been deployed to contain the blaze and conduct rescue efforts.
Authorities have assured the public of ongoing recovery operations and promised further updates as the situation develops. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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