Lagos State Shuts Down 12 Hotels and Malls Over Elevator Safety Breaches

The Lagos State Government has taken decisive enforcement action by shutting down no fewer than 12 establishments, including hotels, shopping centers, and residential complexes, due to ongoing violations of lift and elevator safety standards.

These affected properties are situated in high-traffic locations such as Admiralty Way in Lekki Phase 1 and various parts of Ikeja, both known for commercial and residential activity.

Facilities sealed during the operation include The Heritage/AXA building located on Awolowo Road in Ikeja, alongside Mosesola House, Debour House, and Bosch House on Soji Adepegba Close. Other impacted properties along Admiralty Way in Lekki include Bridge View, Elizabeth Court, 10Bou Towers, Brion Court, Footprints Apartments, Lekki Luxury Flats, and Brasas Mall.

The enforcement exercise, which took place last Thursday, was spearheaded by the Lagos State Safety Commission as part of its mandate to ensure public safety compliance across the state.

In an official statement released on Sunday, the commission disclosed that the closures were a direct result of repeated non-compliance by property owners and facility managers with established elevator safety regulations.

According to the commission, the buildings in question failed to properly register their lift systems with the state government. This registration is essential for scheduled inspections, routine maintenance, and overall safety monitoring.

Speaking during the enforcement operation, the Chief Scientific Officer of the commission, Sovi Tijani, who represented the Director-General, Lanre Mojola, explained that the action became unavoidable due to the persistent disregard for regulatory instructions.

He highlighted that registering elevators is a critical requirement that allows authorities to conduct periodic checks and ensure that all systems meet safety standards for users in both residential and commercial environments.

Tijani further revealed that several warnings and official notices had been issued to the affected facilities prior to the crackdown. However, many operators failed to respond within the given timeframe.

He stated that while some property managers ignored the notifications, others went as far as refusing to accept official correspondence or obstructing enforcement officers during the process.

The commission stressed that enforcement activities would continue as part of its broader effort to protect lives and property. It warned that poorly maintained elevators pose significant dangers, including mechanical failures and potential accidents.

Building owners and facility managers across Lagos State have been strongly advised to comply with all safety regulations by registering their lift systems and ensuring consistent maintenance in accordance with government standards.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing compliance and maintaining a secure environment, noting that any defaulters would continue to face strict penalties until all safety requirements are fulfilled.