The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has reported that the fire at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, has intensified, spreading across multiple floors.
Officials said thick smoke and rising heat were hampering access to the upper floors, complicating firefighting efforts and increasing risks to occupants and emergency responders.
The agency warned that the situation poses serious threats to lives, nearby structures and businesses, as well as members of the public in the surrounding area.
Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, disclosed the development in a statement issued late Wednesday night.
He said the fire continues to spread vertically, requiring sustained multi-agency coordination and specialized equipment to prevent further escalation.
Oke-Osanyintolu advised residents, traders, and occupants of adjoining buildings to evacuate immediately to avoid casualties from smoke inhalation, structural collapse, or fire spread.
“Evacuation is critical at this stage to safeguard lives and reduce exposure to secondary hazards,” he said.
Emergency teams, including LASEMA’s Shark Response Unit, Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, and Lagos Ambulance Service, are conducting firefighting, rescue, and containment operations.
The permanent secretary urged the public to remain calm, avoid the area, cooperate fully with responders, and refrain from obstructing emergency operations.
Authorities have established cordons to control access, while safety assessments of nearby buildings are ongoing.
LASEMA said further updates would be provided as operations continue, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property.
