The Lagos State Government has directed building owners, developers, and facility managers across the state to register and certify all elevators operating in their buildings before March 31, 2026.
Authorities warned that elevators that fail to meet the requirement will be shut down and possibly removed from service after the deadline.
The announcement was made on Friday by Lanre Mojola, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Safety Commission.
According to Mojola, the directive is part of efforts by the state government to prevent avoidable accidents and improve safety standards as Lagos continues to experience rapid urban development and a growing number of high-rise buildings.
Mojola explained that elevators are an important part of modern buildings, especially in cities with many tall structures.
However, he said they must be properly installed, registered, and maintained to ensure the safety of people who use them daily.
“Elevators and other vertical transportation equipment are critical to modern urban infrastructure and must be properly registered and maintained to ensure public safety,” Mojola said.
He warned that the government will enforce the regulation strictly in order to reduce risks associated with poorly maintained elevators.
According to the commission, all elevators in residential, commercial, and public buildings must be registered and certified before they are allowed to operate.
This requirement also applies to elevators that are already in use, as they will be subjected to periodic safety inspections.
The state government has set March 31, 2026, as the deadline for all building owners to complete the registration and certification process.
After this date, elevators that have not been registered may be sealed or removed from service.
The Safety Commission said building owners who fail to comply with the directive risk having their premises temporarily shut down until safety requirements are met.
Officials say the regulation is necessary to ensure that elevators operate safely throughout their lifespan.
Safety checks will include inspections of mechanical parts, electrical systems, and maintenance records.
To make the process easier for building owners and developers, the Lagos State Government has launched an online platform where elevator registration and certification can be completed.
The digital platform allows owners of newly installed elevators to request inspections before the lifts begin carrying passengers.
It will also allow the Safety Commission to conduct periodic safety audits of elevators already operating in buildings across the state.
Government officials say the digital system will help improve monitoring and make it easier to track compliance.
The platform will also help authorities maintain a database of elevators operating in Lagos.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, has experienced rapid urban growth in recent years.
The city has seen an increase in high-rise residential apartments, office towers, hotels, and shopping complexes.
These developments have led to a growing demand for elevators and other vertical transport systems in buildings.
Urban planners say that as cities grow upward, safety regulations must also improve to protect residents and workers who rely on such facilities.
Authorities note that poorly maintained elevators can lead to serious accidents, including sudden breakdowns, passengers getting trapped, or mechanical failures.
The Lagos State Government said enforcing proper registration and certification will help reduce these risks.
The Lagos State Safety Commission is responsible for promoting safety standards in workplaces, public facilities, and infrastructure across the state.
The commission works with building owners, companies, and public institutions to ensure that safety regulations are followed.
In recent years, the agency has introduced several safety guidelines covering construction sites, factories, public spaces, and transportation systems.
Officials say the elevator registration policy is part of a broader effort to improve safety compliance across Lagos.
Mojola also called on residents, workers, and visitors in Lagos to support the initiative by reporting unsafe elevators.
According to him, members of the public can help by alerting authorities whenever they notice faulty lifts, poor maintenance practices, or elevators operating without proper registration.
He said public participation is important in ensuring that safety regulations are followed.
“Public participation and strict enforcement are key to fostering a culture of safety and accountability in Lagos,” Mojola said.
The Lagos State Government has repeatedly emphasised the importance of safety as the city continues to grow.
Officials say that improving infrastructure safety is necessary to protect lives and maintain confidence in urban development projects.
With thousands of people using elevators daily in offices, residential buildings, hospitals, and shopping centres, authorities believe that strict monitoring is necessary.
The new directive is therefore expected to encourage building owners and facility managers to pay closer attention to maintenance and compliance with safety regulations.
As the March 31 deadline approaches, the government says it will continue to educate property owners while preparing to enforce the rules strictly once the compliance period ends.
