Emergency responders were still battling a major fire at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, more than 10 hours after the inferno broke out on Christmas Eve.
The fire, which started at about 5pm on Wednesday, was said to have spread to at least four adjoining buildings, causing extensive damage in the densely populated commercial district.
The blaze was reported to have originated from the fourth or fifth floor of the building, which is largely used as a warehouse and retail outlet for clothing materials, before spreading to other floors.
Footage from the scene shared by the Nigerian Television Authority on Thursday showed thick smoke rising from the building, with flames visible on several floors and debris littering surrounding streets.
NTA said, “More than 10 hours after the inferno that engulfed the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House located on Martins Street, Lagos Island, emergency responders are yet to completely put out the fire.
“Flames emanating from the building can still be seen from a distance, while residents and business owners assess the extent of their losses. Many people in the area have been unable to sleep. At least four buildings, including a church and a mosque, have been affected by the fire.”
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, appealed to residents to remain calm.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, the state government said no casualty had been recorded and that the cause of the fire was still being investigated.
The statement said the governor had directed the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to intensify operations and ensure the evacuation of surrounding buildings.
It added that the distress call was received at about 4:41pm, prompting an immediate response from fire crews at the Ebute Elefun and Dolphin fire stations, with reinforcement from the Sari Iganmu Fire Station and the Alausa headquarters.
“The firefighters arrived at the scene within 12 minutes, at about 4:53pm, and commenced coordinated containment operations,” he said.
The statement added that preliminary findings indicated the fire started on the fifth floor of the building before spreading.
It also explained that the building, formerly used as corporate office space, now functions mainly as a warehouse and retail centre for textile materials.
The government said the governor maintained constant contact with emergency and security agencies throughout the night.
“As at about 3:40 a.m., when the fire had largely been brought under control, the governor was still receiving updates and issuing directives.
“Our priority is the safety of lives; I have directed that the building and its surroundings be thoroughly secured, and that emergency personnel must ensure that no one is left inside,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu commended firefighters and first responders for their swift response and reassured residents that the situation was under control.
“Lagosians should remain calm; the situation is under control,” he said.
Security agencies were also deployed to cordon off the area while safety checks continued to prevent any secondary incidents, the government added.
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