Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos, has visited the scene
of the Great Nigeria House fire on Lagos Island.
The fire broke out around 6pm on December 24 on the 4th and
5th floors of the building, which had been converted to a warehouse by traders
in the Central Business District.
Firefighters battled the blaze overnight, while nearby
buildings were evacuated to prevent further casualties.
In a statement after observing the damage, Sanwo-Olu ordered
the full demolition of the 25-storey building.
The governor was accompanied by top officials, including
Jimoh Moshood, commissioner of police in Lagos.
The governor said the building had suffered partial collapse
during the fire, necessitating its complete demolition.
He set up a committee led by Olugbenga Oyerinde, the
commissioner for special duties, to oversee the safest and quickest way to
bring down the structure.
Sanwo-Olu said there is a need for sustained fire safety
awareness, especially ahead of the dry season, when such incidents are more
likely.
He said the government would intensify advocacy campaigns in
markets and office complexes to prevent a recurrence.
“The months of January and February remain high-risk periods
for fire outbreaks due to weather conditions, so awareness and vigilance must
be heightened,” the governor said.
Source: Sanwo-Olu orders demolition of 25-storey building after Christmas Eve fire
