The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has facilitated the deployment of heavy-duty equipment by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to support recovery operations at the fire-gutted Great Nigeria Insurance Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.
Eko Hot News reports that the 23-storey building was severely affected by a fire outbreak on December 24, 2025, prompting a complex multi-agency rescue and recovery operation due to the structure’s unstable condition.
Despite the challenges, authorities have recorded notable progress with the controlled removal of debris and the recovery of four bodies trapped beneath the rubble at the site.
NEMA disclosed that it is providing critical technical and operational support to ensure safety during excavation while facilitating the deployment of CCECC’s specialized equipment for debris clearance.
The ongoing excavation and debris removal exercise is being conducted under the close supervision of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and other relevant emergency response stakeholders.
According to officials, the four burnt bodies recovered were properly documented and handed over to the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SHEMU) for onward transfer for forensic identification and dignified handling.
Security around the incident perimeter remains tight, with personnel from the military, police, and other security agencies maintaining barricades to prevent unauthorised access and protect emergency responders and the public.
Meanwhile, a strategic coordination meeting was held involving the NEMA Lagos Operations Office and key stakeholders to review ongoing operations and next steps.
Participants at the meeting included the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Arc GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde; and the Chairman of the Community Development Association (CDA).
Discussions focused on phased excavation, structural integrity assessment, controlled demolition, and eventual rehabilitation of the site.
NEMA reiterated that all activities remain under the authority of LASEMA and the Lagos State Government, with the agency providing sustained technical and operational support.
