The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has mobilised the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to support rescue and recovery operations at the fire-ravaged Great Nigeria Insurance House on Marina, Lagos Island.
The intervention followed a request by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for Federal Government assistance to enable the safe and controlled demolition of the distressed 22-storey building, a critical step required to create access for excavation and recovery at the site.
NEMA’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Usman Bature, alongside the Agency’s Lagos Head of Operations, Mr. Tunde Mohammed, led the CCECC technical team to the scene to begin preliminary structural assessments and consultations with relevant stakeholders.
During his second visit to the site on Friday, 2 January 2026, Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that excavation and recovery efforts could not safely commence until the structurally compromised building is carefully brought down, in order to protect emergency responders and members of the public.
CCECC has since deployed heavy-duty equipment to the area and commenced technical evaluations, while awaiting further directives from the appropriate authorities to proceed with rescue operations.
NEMA reaffirmed its commitment to a coordinated response, noting that it continues to work closely with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), fire services, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a safe, professional and well-managed emergency operation.
