Emergency response operations continued on Thursday at the scene of the fire incident that engulfed the Great Nigeria Insurance House building at Marina, Lagos Island, as Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, visited the site to assess the situation and reassure responders of the state government’s support.
During the visit, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to sustained collaboration with the Federal Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe and successful completion of rescue and recovery efforts.
The governor was conducted around the disaster area by operational leads, during which he commended NEMA and other emergency response agencies for their professionalism, coordination, and dedication since the outbreak of the incident.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the structural integrity of the affected high-rise building had been severely compromised, requiring extreme caution to protect the lives of emergency responders and the public.
He disclosed that plans were being finalised to mobilise specialised equipment and expertise for the controlled demolition of the weakened structure, after which debris would be safely cleared.
He also praised the establishment of a Help Desk close to the incident site to provide accurate information to the public and support to affected persons. The desk is jointly manned by NEMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Local Emergency Management Committee, and other partners.
Meanwhile, NEMA disclosed that its Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, had earlier deployed the Agency’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, to lead a technical support team from the headquarters to Lagos. The team is working in close collaboration with the NEMA Lagos Operations Office and other stakeholders to strengthen coordination, improve situational assessment, and ensure the safety of emergency personnel and residents.
NEMA reiterated its commitment to supporting the people and government of Lagos State throughout the response and recovery phases of the incident.
The fire incident occurred at the Great Nigeria Insurance House building in Marina, Lagos Island, prompting a large-scale multi-agency emergency response.
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