Lagos State’s General Hospital, one of the city’s oldest medical facilities, remains without a fully operational elevator three years after a doctor’s death in an elevator accident, as rehabilitation work continues on the House Officers’ Residence. The 10-storey building, where the incident occurred in August 2023, is undergoing phased renovations, but doctors living there still rely on stairs due to incomplete work, raising questions about the state’s commitment to healthcare infrastructure and staff welfare.
The tragedy unfolded on 1 August 2023 when Dr. Vwaere Diaso, a medical officer, died after the elevator at the House Officers’ Residence crashed. The incident sparked public outrage and prompted investigations by the Lagos State government, which later announced plans to replace the lift and renovate the building. However, nearly three years later, the elevator remains non-operational, with construction work still underway, according to a 2024 investigation by Premium Times and recent visits to the site.
Julius Berger, the contractor handling the rehabilitation, initially projected the project would take 36 weeks, from April 2024 to January 2025. However, during a recent visit, Premium Times found no updated timelines displayed at the site, though the contractor and project details remained active. The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, confirmed that new elevators had been installed but were not yet commissioned, citing the need to complete civil works across the 10-storey building.
Charles Aisudo, Secretary of the Medical Guild in Lagos, told Premium Times that the elevator had been repaired but was not yet functional. “The rehabilitation is being carried out in phases, and the lift cannot be used until all floors are renovated,” he said. A house officer familiar with the project, who requested anonymity, revealed that floors 10 to 7 were completed by February 2026, with work progressing to lower levels. However, delays occurred due to water seepage, which caused dampness and structural issues, according to the source.
The House Officers’ Residence, which accommodates about 100 doctors working at General Hospital, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, and Massey Street Children’s Hospital, has become a focal point of concern. The source noted that the building’s poor condition has created accommodation challenges, hindering the hospitals’ ability to attract and retain medical staff. “Doctors are critical to healthcare delivery, and the current state of the residence undermines their ability to serve effectively,” the source said.
Lagos State’s Health Commissioner Abayomi emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing future tragedies. “Three years after Dr. Diaso’s death, we remain steadfast in ensuring such incidents never happen again. We value the lives of our medical professionals and every Lagosian,” he stated. He added that the state had implemented stricter safety standards, including adherence to guidelines from the Lagos State Safety Commission, to regulate lift operations and management.
Despite the delays, the government maintains that the phased renovation is necessary to accommodate doctors still living in the building. Abayomi explained, “The building remains occupied, so we are renovating it in stages to minimize disruption.” However, the prolonged timeline has drawn criticism, particularly from Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who called the situation a “damning indictment” of the state’s healthcare management in a social media post.
Rhodes-Vivour highlighted systemic issues in Lagos’ healthcare system, including the lack of functional surgical theatres, inadequate medical equipment, and underfunding. “The delays in infrastructure repairs reflect a broader neglect of public health services,” he wrote. The criticism aligns with Premium Times’ 2024 investigation, which documented the poor state of the hospital’s infrastructure, including dilapidated buildings and outdated equipment.
A house officer described the challenges of living in the residence. “Doctors on upper floors face daily stress using the stairs, but we understand the situation and have adapted,” the source said. “If you’re going downstairs, you have to plan everything in advance, as returning upstairs is time-consuming.” Despite the hardships, the source noted that some improvements are underway, including the renovation of wards and the introduction of laparoscopic surgery in the surgical department, a procedure previously unavailable at the facility.
The Lagos State government has also faced scrutiny over the slow progress of the project. A social media user, @themmanuelfaith, recently asked, “Has the elevator that killed the doctor been fixed?” The post garnered over 27,000 views, reflecting public frustration. The Medical Guild’s engagement with the state government reportedly helped restart stalled construction after the water seepage issue, but the lack of transparency on timelines has fueled skepticism.
The incident has underscored broader challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, where underfunded facilities and delayed infrastructure projects often compromise patient care. Dr. Diaso’s death served as a catalyst for calls to address systemic neglect, but the prolonged inaction at General Hospital highlights the gap between policy and implementation. Advocates argue that the state must prioritize the safety and well-being of medical professionals to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery.
As the rehabilitation continues, the story of Dr. Diaso remains a poignant reminder of the human cost of bureaucratic inertia. For now, the doctors living in the House Officers’ Residence endure the challenges of incomplete renovations, hoping for a resolution that aligns with the state’s promises. The question remains: how long will it take for Lagos to honor its commitment to the healthcare workers who risk their lives daily?
The Lagos State government’s handling of the House Officers’ Residence project has drawn comparisons to other infrastructure delays in the state, where public projects often face prolonged timelines and limited accountability. Critics argue that the lack of urgency in addressing the elevator and renovation issues reflects a broader pattern of neglect in public services. With the 2023 accident still fresh in the public’s memory, the slow progress raises concerns about the government’s ability to deliver on its commitments.
The case of the General Hospital elevator also highlights the intersection of public health and infrastructure. Functional lifts are not just a convenience but a necessity for hospitals, particularly in high-rise buildings where staff and patients rely on them for mobility. The prolonged inoperability of the elevator underscores the need for transparent project management and timely interventions to prevent further tragedies.
As the Lagos State government continues its phased renovations, the focus remains on ensuring that the House Officers’ Residence meets modern safety and operational standards. The lessons from Dr. Diaso’s death must translate into tangible improvements, not just in this facility but across the state’s healthcare system. For now, the doctors and patients of Lagos await a resolution that reflects the urgency of their needs.
The ongoing delays at General Hospital have sparked renewed calls for accountability and transparency in public projects. Advocacy groups and medical professionals are urging the state government to provide clear timelines and regular updates on the rehabilitation. “The people of Lagos deserve to know where we stand and what steps are being taken to ensure the safety of our healthcare workers,” said a spokesperson for the Medical Guild. The pressure for action continues to mount as the community waits for concrete progress.
The story of the stalled elevator at Lagos’ General Hospital is more than a local issue; it is a reflection of the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s public services. From healthcare to infrastructure, the gap between promises and delivery remains a critical concern. As the nation prepares for future elections, the performance of state governments in addressing such issues will be a key indicator of their commitment to public welfare.
The legacy of Dr. Vwaere Diaso’s death serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction. While the Lagos State government has taken steps to address the immediate issues at the hospital, the prolonged delays in the House Officers’ Residence project highlight the need for systemic reform. Only through sustained efforts and accountability can the state ensure that such tragedies are not repeated, and that its healthcare workers are supported in their vital roles.