LASEMA Boss Inspects Demolition Of Distressed Great Nigeria Insurance House

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, has inspected the ongoing controlled demolition of the structurally distressed Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Lagos Island, Lagos State.

Oke-Osanyintolu visited the site on Friday to assess the progress of the operation and ensure strict compliance with safety measures during the demolition of the high-rise building.

The exercise was approved following structural integrity assessments by relevant government agencies, which reportedly established that the building posed a significant threat to public safety.

During the inspection, the LASEMA boss was conveyed by a demolition crane to the 22nd floor of the building, where he examined the safety conditions of workers involved in the operation. He also assessed their use of personal protective equipment, compliance with safety protocols and the effectiveness of the heavy-duty machinery deployed for the exercise.

The Permanent Secretary said the demolition would proceed gradually and under strict professional supervision to safeguard lives, adjoining properties, traders and residents within the affected area.

He also inspected the cordoned-off perimeter and surrounding environment to ensure that the necessary safety measures remained in place throughout the operation.

Oke-Osanyintolu assured residents and business owners that LASEMA, in collaboration with other relevant state agencies and traffic management officials, would continue to coordinate the exercise, manage traffic diversions on adjoining streets and minimise disruptions to commercial activities and vehicular movement.

He acknowledged that the demolition could generate some noise and dust but stressed that measures were being taken to ensure compliance with internationally recognised best practices for controlled demolition.

The LASEMA chief appreciated residents, traders, business owners and motorists for their cooperation and patience, urging them to continue observing safety instructions and avoid the immediate vicinity of the building.

He also advised motorists to use alternative routes provided by the relevant authorities to ensure their safety and ease traffic congestion around the demolition site.