The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, has commenced distribution of relief materials to victims of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building fire incident.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Mohammed Olatunde, Head of Operations, Lagos office of NEMA and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.
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, Lagos Island.
He said 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.
She conveyed condolences on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the incident caused significant loss of property and disrupted livelihoods and economic stability.
Umar said the Federal Government remained committed to providing humanitarian support to citizens in distress through timely and coordinated interventions.
She said the relief materials were aimed at cushioning the immediate impact of the disaster and supporting victims in their recovery process.
“These items cannot fully compensate for losses incurred but are meant to provide succour and restore hope to affected persons,” she said.
The NEMA boss highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other partners, in ensuring efficient and transparent distribution.
She urged beneficiaries to use the items judiciously and called on residents to adopt fire safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
The statement said the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who represented Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the Federal Government for its continued support during emergencies.
Oke-Osanyitolu stressed the need for strict adherence to fire safety standards, enforcement of building regulations and improved environmental management practices.
He also underscored the importance of sustained inter-agency collaboration in disaster management and response.
Olatunde said community leaders at the event expressed appreciation for the prompt intervention and pledged to adopt preventive measures against fire outbreaks.
He added that relief materials distributed included food items and essential non-food supplies to address the immediate needs of affected victims and their families.
He reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness, response and resilience across the country.
