Following the deadly Christmas Eve fire at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building that resulted in eight deaths and thirteen rescues, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered a professional audit of all buildings in the Balogun market area.
During a visit to the scene on Friday, the governor discovered widespread and reckless violations of building codes, including unapproved structures, industrial generators on upper floors, and shops built dangerously close to electrical transformers, describing the situation as “unacceptable”.
Citing the need to prioritize safety, Sanwo-Olu announced that the fire-ravaged GNI building and some compromised adjacent structures will be demolished, and has ordered all shops within a 100-meter radius to remain closed as the area is still an active emergency site.
The governor also lamented that illegal trading in unapproved areas blocked access for first responders, delaying their efforts during the inferno.
