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Following rising cases of avoidable elevator accidents in high rise buildings, Lagos State government in a proactive move has issued an 18 -day ultimatum to building owners in the state to register and obtain safety certification of their elevators or face immediate shutdown and sealing of their premises.
The director-general and chief executive officer of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, who read the riot act on Friday to such building owners added that the state will no longer tolerate the operation of uncertified lifts, saying building owners have until March 31, 2026, to ensure full compliance or face aggressive enforcement actions.
He explained that the action is a decisive move to eradicate avoidable accidents in the state’s rapidly expanding high-rise landscape, stressing that public safety remains a non-negotiable priority.
Mojola emphasized that elevators play a critical role in modern urban infrastructure and must be rigorously maintained to prevent mechanical failures that could endanger lives.
He noted that as the Lagos skyline continues to grow, the surge in demand for vertical transportation must be matched by a strict adherence to safety protocols established by the commission.
According to him, under the stringent guidelines, all elevators—whether in residential, commercial, or public buildings—must be officially registered and certified both before they are commissioned and throughout their entire operational lifespan.
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Mojola warned that the grace period is fast expiring, adding that any elevator found to be unregistered or lacking a valid safety certificate after the April deadline will be decommissioned as part of a state-wide crackdown.
The Safety Commission also called on the general public to take an active role in this safety drive by acting as whistleblowers.
“Residents and office workers are encouraged to report faulty equipment, skipped maintenance schedules, or unregistered lifts through the Commission’s dedicated safety hotlines. By intensifying stakeholder engagement and public awareness campaigns.
“The Lagos State government aims to foster a culture of collective responsibility, ensuring that the full weight of the law serves as a deterrent to any property owner who would prioritize costs over the lives of Lagosians.’’
