The Lagos State Government has ordered all building owners, developers, and facility managers to register and certify every elevator operating within the state, warning that failure to comply will result in the elevators being shut down.
The directive was announced on Friday by Lanre Mojola, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Safety Commission. He said enforcement against uncertified elevators will begin after March 31, 2026.
According to Mojola, the measure is part of ongoing efforts to prevent avoidable accidents as the state continues to witness a rise in high-rise buildings.
He noted that elevators and other vertical transport systems are essential components of modern urban infrastructure and must be properly registered, maintained, and regularly inspected to protect the public.
The Safety Commission warned that property owners who fail to meet the deadline risk having their elevators decommissioned and their buildings sealed.
Under existing regulations, elevators in residential, commercial, and public buildings must be certified before they can operate and must be maintained throughout their lifespan.
To help owners comply, the government has introduced a digital portal where property owners can register newly installed elevators and schedule routine safety inspections for existing ones.
New elevators will undergo inspection before they are allowed to carry passengers, while those already in use will be subjected to mandatory safety audits.
Mojola also urged residents and workers to assist the initiative by reporting unregistered elevators, faulty equipment, or poor maintenance practices through the commission’s safety hotlines.
He added that stronger enforcement combined with public participation will help build a culture of safety and accountability, ensuring that cost considerations do not override the safety of residents in Lagos.
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