Emergency responders are still battling a massive fire that erupted on Christmas Eve at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, more than 10 hours after it began.

It was gathered that the blaze, which started around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, spread to at least four adjacent buildings, causing widespread damage in one of the city’s busiest commercial hubs.

The fire reportedly originated on the fourth or fifth floor of the high-rise, which is primarily used as a warehouse for clothing, before escalating to other floors.

Video footage from the scene, shared by the NTA Network on Thursday, showed thick plumes of smoke engulfing the structure, with bright orange flames bursting from multiple floors and debris littering the streets.

NTA stated that, “More than 10 hours after the inferno that engulfed the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House located on Martins Street, Lagos Island, emergency responders are yet to completely put out the fire.

“Flames emanating from the building can still be seen from a distance, while residents and business owners assess the extent of their losses. Many people in the area have been unable to sleep. At least four buildings, including a church and a mosque, have been affected by the fire.”

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents to remain calm following the incident.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, stated in a press release on Thursday that no casualties were recorded, while the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.

Omotoso said the governor, who had been personally monitoring the situation since it was reported, immediately directed the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to intensify response efforts and ensure the evacuation of adjoining buildings.

According to him, the distress call was received at about 4:41 p.m., prompting an immediate response from fire crews at the Ebute Elefun and Dolphin fire stations, with reinforcement from the Sari Iganmu Fire Station and the Alausa headquarters.