Sanwo-Olu Assesses Great Nigeria House Fire, Commiserates with Victims

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating fire outbreak that razed parts of the Great Nigeria House in the Balogun area of Lagos Island, describing the incident as a painful loss for traders and business owners affected.
The governor, who visited the scene on Tuesday for an on-the-spot assessment, said the magnitude of the destruction was far beyond what could be captured in any written report, noting that the emotional and economic toll on victims was profound.

“I am deeply saddened by the fire incident that occurred yesterday at the Great Nigeria House. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy,” Sanwo-Olu said.
According to the governor, the visit to Balogun was necessary to gain first-hand insight into the extent of the damage and to engage directly with those impacted by the inferno. He noted that seeing the ruins and interacting with victims underscored the gravity of the loss, as many traders lost goods and investments built over several years.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, emergency responders, and other relevant agencies for their swift intervention and resilience, stressing that their tireless overnight efforts helped to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjoining buildings in the densely populated commercial district.
“I want to thank our firefighters, emergency responders, and all the agencies that worked tirelessly through the night to bring the fire under control. Their courage and dedication saved lives and prevented the damage from spreading further,” he stated.
The governor assured affected residents and business owners that the state government would continue to assess the situation and provide necessary support to victims, including exploring relief measures and long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening emergency response infrastructure and improving safety standards across markets and commercial centres in Lagos, particularly in high-risk areas such as Balogun.
Sanwo-Olu also appealed for calm and cooperation, urging residents to adhere strictly to safety guidelines and support emergency agencies as they conclude investigations into the cause of the fire.

“Lagos has always shown strength in difficult moments, and I believe we will get through this together,” the governor added.
The Great Nigeria House fire is the latest in a series of market-related incidents in Lagos, once again highlighting concerns around fire safety, building standards, and emergency preparedness in the state’s bustling commercial hubs.