As smoke-stained ruins and twisted debris still mark the aftermath of the devastating fire at Great Niger House on Lagos Island, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has intensified rescue and safety efforts, deploying top officials and multiple emergency agencies to the scene.
The Director of Search and Rescue at NEMA, Air Commodore Usman Bature, on Wednesday led a high-level, multi-agency rapid site assessment at the fire-ravaged building located on Marina, Lagos Island, as rescue operations continue amid concerns over structural stability and responder safety.
Air Commodore Bature explained that the assessment was critical due to the extensive damage suffered by the building, noting that the operation was aimed at safeguarding emergency personnel while determining the level of technical support required to sustain the ongoing rescue mission.
“Given the scale of destruction and the amount of debris at the site, it is essential to evaluate the structural integrity of the building to protect responders and guide further rescue operations,” he said.
To reinforce the response, the NEMA South-West Zonal Director has also been deployed to Lagos to work alongside the Director of Search and Rescue and the Head of NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office, ensuring efficient coordination of all emergency activities at the scene.
Bature commended the Lagos State Government and all responding agencies for their swift response and professionalism, stressing that the magnitude of the incident demands sustained collaboration between government institutions and relevant private organisations.
He also cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information about the incident, urging reliance on official and credible sources for updates.
The joint assessment involved response teams from NEMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, as well as representatives of the media.
Meanwhile, NEMA confirmed that a response team from its Lagos Operations Office remains permanently stationed at the scene to support the ongoing multi-agency rescue and recovery operation.
The Great Niger House fire has continued to draw public attention due to its scale and location within Lagos’ commercial hub, as authorities intensify efforts to mitigate risks and prevent further casualties.
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