Lagos Begins Demolition of Fire-Ravaged 25-Storey GNI House, Announces 35-Day Ozumba Mbadiwe Road Repairs

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The Lagos State Government has commenced the controlled demolition of the fire-damaged 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Lagos Island while announcing a 35-day rehabilitation project on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road in Victoria Island.

The two projects, announced on Thursday, October 15, 2026, are aimed at addressing public safety concerns and improving road infrastructure across the state.

The demolition of GNI House, located on Martins Street in the Balogun Market area, began after structural assessments reportedly established that the damaged building posed a significant risk to lives and property.

The high-rise was gutted by a devastating fire on December 24, 2025, which reportedly killed 12 people, caused part of the structure to collapse and destroyed goods belonging to traders in the area.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered the building’s demolition after visiting the scene the following day.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said the demolition exercise was being conducted under strict safety measures to protect workers, traders, residents and members of the public.

LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the immediate surroundings had been cordoned off, with public access restricted and temporary traffic diversions introduced on adjoining roads.

Residents, traders and motorists were advised to keep away from the demolition zone, use alternative routes and comply with instructions from emergency officials.

The agency also warned that the operation could generate considerable noise and dust, urging people in nearby areas to exercise caution as the work progresses.

The demolition follows months of concern over the stability of the fire-damaged structure and the potential danger it posed to people operating around the busy commercial district.

Meanwhile, the state government has announced a 35-day rehabilitation of Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, a major transport corridor connecting parts of Victoria Island and surrounding areas.

The roadworks are scheduled to begin on Monday, October 19, 2026, covering the stretch from the Adetokunbo Ademola Street and Civic Centre junction to Samuel Manuwa Street and the BJ area.

Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said a contra-flow traffic arrangement would be introduced to enable construction work to proceed while maintaining vehicle movement.

Under the arrangement, motorists will be directed to use the Lagos-bound carriageway while repairs are undertaken on the opposite lane.

The government has outlined alternative routes for motorists travelling through Victoria Island and nearby areas to reduce disruption during the rehabilitation.

Drivers travelling from Bonny Camp or Falomo towards Civic Centre and Lekki have been advised to use Adeyemo Alakija, Adeola Hopewell, Akinbo Savage and Bishop Aboyade Cole streets before proceeding through School Corner near Black Diamond towards Sandfield.

Motorists travelling from Falomo towards Akin Adesola can use the IMB and Coastal Road entrance, Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Eko Hotel Roundabout, Ajose Adeogun and Ligali routes.

Those travelling from Eko Hotel towards Civic Centre can use Bishop Aboyade Cole Street and School Corner towards Sandfield.

Motorists heading from Eko Hotel towards Falomo and Ikoyi have been advised to use Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Akin Adesola Street and the ramp bridge.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is expected to deploy personnel along affected routes to manage traffic flow and assist motorists during the construction period.

Commuters have been urged to plan their journeys ahead, allow additional travel time and follow instructions from traffic officials.

The two operations highlight the challenges facing Lagos as the government works to address the safety risks associated with damaged infrastructure while maintaining access to major commercial and business districts.

For traders and businesses around Balogun Market, the controlled demolition is intended to remove a potentially dangerous structure following the deadly fire. On Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, the rehabilitation is expected to improve road conditions, although motorists should prepare for temporary traffic disruptions throughout the 35-day construction period.