By Fatima Saka
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, has commenced the distribution of relief materials to victims of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building fire incident in Lagos.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Mr Mohammed Olatunde, Head of Operations, Lagos Office of NEMA, and made available to newsmen on Saturday.
Olatunde said the flag-off ceremony, held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Oko-Oba, Agege, marked a coordinated response to the Dec. 24, 2025 fire disaster at Balogun Market on Lagos Island.
The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, represented by the South-West Zonal Director, Mr Akiode Saheed, expressed sympathy to affected individuals, families, and businesses impacted by the incident.
She conveyed condolences on behalf of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the fire caused significant loss of property and disrupted livelihoods and economic activities.
Umar reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance through timely and coordinated interventions, adding that the relief materials were aimed at cushioning the immediate effects of the disaster.
“These items cannot fully compensate for losses incurred but are meant to provide succour and restore hope to affected persons,” she said.
She also emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and other partners, to ensure efficient and transparent distribution.
Umar urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items and called on residents to adopt fire safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the Federal Government for its continued support during emergencies.
He stressed the need for strict adherence to fire safety standards, enforcement of building regulations, and improved environmental management practices.
Oke-Osanyintolu also highlighted the importance of sustained inter-agency collaboration in disaster response and management.
Community leaders at the event expressed appreciation for the intervention and pledged to adopt preventive measures against fire outbreaks.
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The statement added that the relief materials distributed included food items and essential non-food supplies to address the immediate needs of affected victims and their families.
NEMA reiterated its commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness, response, and resilience nationwide.
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