Massive Fire Engulfs Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island, Building Slated for Demolition

Inferno Grips Lagos Landmark on Christmas Eve

A significant fire incident engulfed the Great Nigeria Insurance House, a 22-storey commercial building located on Martins Street, Lagos Island, beginning on the evening of Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The blaze, which reportedly started between 4:40 PM and 5:00 PM, continued to rage for over 10 hours, extending into Christmas Day. Emergency services battled the inferno, which caused extensive damage to the high-rise structure and spread to several adjacent buildings in the bustling commercial district.

Emergency Response and Casualties

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire originated from an apartment or office on the fourth or fifth floor of the building, rapidly escalating to higher levels. Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, and other agencies, were deployed to the scene. Their efforts were challenged by:

• Poor storage practices involving highly combustible materials within the building, which served primarily as a warehouse for clothing materials.
• Difficulties with crowd control and limited access to the scene.
• The conjoined nature of the surrounding buildings, which facilitated the fire's spread.

While initial reports from some emergency services indicated no fatalities, the incident resulted in a number of injuries. Seven adult males sustained varying degrees of burn injuries and were hospitalized for further medical attention. Additionally, three males and two females were treated on-site for smoke inhalation and subsequently released. Concerns mounted as reports emerged on December 26 that a China-based clothier identified as Obum, along with approximately three other traders, remained trapped under rubble after a detached section of the plaza collapsed. Obum reportedly made contact from beneath the debris.

Extensive Damage and Demolition Order

The fire caused significant damage to the Great Nigeria Insurance House and affected at least four to five adjoining buildings. These included a mosque, parts of Oluwole Plaza, and the seven-storey Radio Nigeria building, with some structures partially and others severely impacted. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited the scene to assess the damage, expressing sadness over the tragedy. He commended the swift response of firefighters and emergency personnel. Due to the extensive damage and structural compromise, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the formation of a committee to investigate the cause of the fire and oversee the demolition of the 22-storey building. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.