The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, has begun distributing relief materials to victims of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building fire.
A statement signed by Mr. Mohammed Olatunde, Head of Operations at NEMA’s Lagos office, made this known on Saturday.
Olatunde said the flag-off ceremony, held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Oko-Oba, Agege, marked a coordinated response to the Dec. 24, 2025, fire disaster at Balogun Market, Lagos Island.
He noted that the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by the South-West Zonal Director, Mr. Akiode Saheed, expressed sympathy to affected individuals, families, and businesses.
Umar conveyed condolences on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing that the incident caused significant property loss and disrupted livelihoods and economic stability.
She said the Federal Government remains committed to providing humanitarian support through timely and coordinated interventions.
“The relief materials aim to cushion the immediate impact of the disaster and support victims in their recovery. While they cannot fully compensate for losses, they are meant to provide succour and restore hope,” Umar said.
The NEMA chief highlighted the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), to ensure efficient and transparent distribution. She urged beneficiaries to use the items judiciously and encouraged residents to adopt fire safety measures.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, representing Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the Federal Government for its continued emergency support. He stressed adherence to fire safety standards, enforcement of building regulations, and improved environmental management, while emphasizing inter-agency collaboration in disaster response.
Olatunde added that community leaders expressed appreciation for the prompt intervention and pledged to adopt preventive measures against fire outbreaks. Relief materials distributed included food and essential non-food supplies to address the immediate needs of victims and their families.
He reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness, response, and resilience across the country.
