Lagos residents felt alarmed on Wednesday evening as a fire broke out at the GNI Building on Martins Street.
Soon after, thick smoke rose into the sky and caught the attention of nearby workers and passers-by.
As a result, emergency services moved quickly as distress calls reached control rooms across the city.
Emergency Response On GNI Building Fire And Evacuation
Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reassured residents that authorities had contained the situation.
Importantly, he confirmed that the incident claimed no lives.
On Thursday, the state government shared this update in an official statement.
Specifically, Information Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso issued the statement on behalf of the government.
Earlier, emergency operators received the distress call at about 4:41 p.m. on December 24, 2025.
Immediately, firefighters from the Ebute Elefun and Dolphin stations mobilised to the scene.
Shortly after, crews from the Sari Iganmu Fire Station joined the operation.
In addition, support teams arrived from the Alausa Fire Service headquarters.
Within 12 minutes, firefighters reached the building and launched coordinated firefighting efforts.
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First, they focused on preventing the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
Initial findings showed that the fire started on an upper floor.
Subsequently, the flames spread to other parts of the building.
Despite the intensity, responders prioritised evacuation and public safety checks.
Governor Leads Safety Efforts
Throughout the incident, Governor Sanwo-Olu monitored developments closely.
Accordingly, he directed the Fire and Rescue Service to intensify response efforts.
As a precaution, authorities evacuated nearby buildings.
Meanwhile, the governor maintained constant communication with emergency and security agencies.
He continued receiving updates late into the night.
By about 3:40 a.m., firefighters had largely brought the fire under control.
Even then, the governor continued issuing instructions.
Notably, he insisted that responders ensure no one remained inside the building.
He repeatedly stressed that protecting human life remained the highest priority.
Later, authorities explained that the building now serves commercial purposes.
Currently, operators use it mainly as a warehouse and clothing retail outlet.
Following this, security operatives cordoned off the area.
This action prevented unauthorised access and reduced further risks.
Meanwhile, emergency teams continue carrying out safety inspections.
Their aim is to prevent secondary incidents.
Finally, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised firefighters for their swift and professional response.
He urged residents to remain calm.
Overall, the government assured Lagosians that it fully controls the situation.
