Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on residents to remain calm following a fire incident at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance Building located on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

The fire, the cause of which has yet to be ascertained, broke out on Wednesday, with officials confirming that no casualties were recorded during the incident.

Sanwo-Olu was said to have monitored the situation from the moment it was reported and promptly directed the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to intensify emergency operations while ensuring the evacuation of surrounding buildings to protect lives and property.

Firefighters received a distress call at about 4:41 p.m. and responded immediately from the Ebute Elefun and Dolphin fire stations, with additional support from Sari Iganmu and the Alausa headquarters.

Emergency crews reportedly arrived at the scene within 12 minutes of the alert and began coordinated efforts to contain the blaze and prevent its spread.

Preliminary findings indicated that the fire originated from the fifth floor of the building before spreading to other levels of the structure.

The building, which was previously used as office space, is now largely utilised as a warehouse and retail outlet for clothing materials.

Throughout the operation, the governor maintained constant communication with emergency responders and security agencies overseeing the incident.

As at about 3:40 a.m., when the fire had largely been brought under control, Sanwo-Olu continued to receive updates from the scene and issue further directives to emergency personnel.

“Our priority is the safety of lives,” Sanwo-Olu said. “I have directed that the building and its surroundings be thoroughly secured and that emergency personnel must ensure that no one is left inside. Lagosians should remain calm; the situation is under control.”

Following the incident, security agencies cordoned off the affected area, while emergency response teams continued safety assessments to avert any secondary incidents.

The Lagos State Government assured residents that it remains fully in control of the situation and would provide further updates as necessary.