The Lagos State Government has directed building owners, property developers and facility managers to register and certify all elevators in their buildings before March 31, 2026, warning that non-compliance could lead to the shutdown of affected premises.
The directive was announced on Friday by the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, who said the move was aimed at strengthening safety measures amid the growing number of high-rise buildings in the state.
Mojola explained that elevators are essential components of modern buildings and must be properly maintained to guarantee the safety of residents and users.
“Elevators and other vertical transportation systems are critical to urban infrastructure and must be properly registered and maintained to safeguard the public,” he said.
He noted that under the state’s safety regulations, all elevators installed in residential, commercial and public buildings must undergo registration and certification before being put into use and throughout their operational lifespan.
According to him, building owners who fail to comply with the directive risk having their elevators decommissioned and their premises sealed after the deadline.
Mojola added that the commission had introduced an online platform to ease the registration and inspection process.
“We have launched a digital platform where building owners can register their elevators and request safety inspections. New installations will be inspected before they are allowed to carry passengers, while existing elevators will undergo periodic safety audits,” he said.
He also urged residents and office workers to support the initiative by reporting faulty elevators or poorly maintained lift systems.
“Members of the public should report defective or unregistered elevators through the commission’s safety hotlines so that appropriate action can be taken,” Mojola said.
The safety agency emphasised that public cooperation and strict enforcement of regulations are necessary to promote a culture of safety and accountability across the state.
The directive comes days after residents of an apartment building in Banana Island reportedly raised alarm after some occupants were trapped inside an elevator earlier in the week.
