Lagos seals buildings over lift safety violations

The Lagos State Government has sealed multiple buildings, shopping malls and hotels across the state over noncompliance with mandatory lift and elevator safety regulations.

This was disclosed in a statement obtained by The PUNCH on Monday.

The enforcement, carried out by the Lagos State Safety Commission, affected more than 12 facilities in key areas, including Lekki Phase I and Ikeja, following repeated failure by property owners to register lift systems for inspection and monitoring.

Affected facilities included The Heritage/AXA building on Awolowo Road, Ikeja; Mosesola House, Debour House and Bosch House on Soji Adepegba Close; Bridge View, Elizabeth Court, 10Bou Towers, Brion Court, Footprints Apartments, Lekki Luxury Flats, as well as Brasas Mall on Admiralty Way, Lekki.

Leading the operation, the commission’s Chief Scientific Officer, Sovi Tijani, who represented the Director-General, Lanre Mojola, said the action became necessary after persistent disregard for safety directives.

“We duly served them notices, informing them of the need to comply before the expiration of the deadline, but they failed to do so.

“Some refused to acknowledge or collect the letters from our officials, while others attempted to obstruct our personnel during enforcement,” he said.

Tijani explained that proper registration of lifts was critical to ensuring routine inspections and preventing avoidable accidents in both public and private buildings.

“Registration is not optional. It is a safety requirement designed to safeguard lives and property,” he said, warning that poorly maintained elevators pose serious risks to users.

The commission said the affected properties had received multiple notices and reminders but failed to comply within the stipulated timeframe, prompting enforcement.

Tijani stressed that the agency would sustain its compliance drive across the state, insisting that defaulters would continue to face sanctions until they meet the required safety standards.

“We will not relent in this enforcement. The safety of residents remains our priority,” he said.

The government urged building owners, facility managers and operators to comply with existing regulations by registering their lift systems and ensuring regular maintenance in line with approved standards.

Officials reiterated that the crackdown is part of broader efforts to strengthen safety compliance and prevent accidents in Lagos’ rapidly expanding urban landscape.