Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered a full assessment of all buildings within the Balogun market area following the fire outbreak at Great Nigeria Insurance building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Governor visited the scene of the Christmas Eve fire on Friday, where rescue and recovery operations were being carried out by Lagos State firefighters, the National Emergency Management Agency, and security personnel.
Authorities confirmed that eight people lost their lives in the incident, while 13 traders trapped under the debris were rescued alive.
After inspecting the affected building and nearby streets, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed concern over what he described as widespread disregard for building regulations by traders and property owners in the area.
The Governor said, “Contravention of building codes. We’ll be evaluating all the buildings in the area.”
He pointed to several safety lapses, including unapproved structures, generators mounted on upper floors, and shops constructed dangerously close to electricity transformers. According to him, such practices pose serious risks in a densely populated commercial district like Balogun.
He said, “In the last hour, I’ve gone round the streets within the market. From a non-professional assessment, it was clear that most buildings are completely distressed.”
“We will not sit back and listen to people doing as they like. Lives have been lost, properties destroyed, and means of livelihood shattered.”
The Governor announced plans for a broader regeneration of the market to improve safety standards, restore order, and create a better environment for traders and customers.
He urged property owners to cooperate with government officials during the process, warning that firm decisions would be taken where necessary to protect lives.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also assured families searching for missing relatives that emergency teams would continue working at the site. He described the location as an active emergency zone, with agencies such as LASEMA, NEMA, the police, and the army maintaining a constant presence.
He added that illegal trading and blocked access roads slowed down emergency response during the fire, noting that some individuals ignored evacuation warnings in an attempt to save goods.
To prevent further danger, the Governor directed that all shops and buildings within a 100-metre radius of the affected site remain closed until further notice, stressing that the area is still unsafe for public activity.
