The Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) has announced plans by the Shitta Bey family to reclaim and redevelop the land occupied by the fire-ravaged Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building on Lagos Island, amid growing uncertainty over the future of the property.
In a statement signed by its President, Alhaji Mohammed Oyinlomo Danmole, the MCLS said the decision followed an emergency meeting convened by the Shitta Bey family. According to Danmole, the family resolved after extensive deliberations that it is ready to commence redevelopment of the land within a short period.
The 25-storey GNI building was gutted by fire in the days leading up to the Christmas celebrations, an incident that claimed the lives of more than eight people and left the structure severely damaged. Following an on-the-spot assessment, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered that the building be pulled down through a controlled demolition after parts of it collapsed.
Before the inferno was brought under control, the fire spread to nearby structures, including the historic Shitta Bey Mosque and Oluwole Plaza, causing further destruction in the densely populated area.
Danmole said the Shitta Bey family is concerned about the possibility of the Lagos State Government taking possession of the land after the demolition. He noted that the family has already lost significant portions of its land in the area to previous government acquisitions.
He added that the family is willing to engage the state government in discussions to demonstrate its capacity and readiness to redevelop the site in line with regulatory requirements.
On behalf of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, Danmole also expressed sympathy to business owners and families who lost loved ones and livelihoods in the tragic fire incident.
