Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition of 25-Storey Building After Christmas Eve Fire

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State, has ordered the demolition of the 25-storey Great Nigeria House on Lagos Island following a devastating fire that broke out on Christmas Eve.
The governor visited the scene on Wednesday, December 25, to assess the damage and receive briefings from emergency responders and safety officials. The fire reportedly started around 6:00 p.m. on December 24, affecting the 4th and 5th floors of the high-rise building.
According to officials, the affected floors had been converted into a warehouse by traders operating within the Central Business District, a use that raised serious safety and structural concerns. Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service battled the inferno through the night before bringing it under control.
As a precautionary measure, occupants of nearby buildings were evacuated to prevent possible casualties and limit the spread of the fire. No loss of life has been officially confirmed, though property damage is believed to be extensive.
Sanwo-Olu said preliminary assessments indicated that the structural integrity of the building had been compromised, necessitating its demolition in the interest of public safety. He also directed relevant agencies to investigate how the building was converted from its original purpose and to enforce compliance with safety regulations across the state.
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to preventing similar incidents by strengthening enforcement against illegal conversions and unsafe commercial practices in densely populated areas.