Industry experts have called on Nigerians to prioritise safety in elevator installations and maintenance as demand for vertical mobility solutions continues to grow.

Speaking at the International Exhibition for Elevators & Escalators Technologies in Lagos, Chief Ifeanyi Obiudo, Managing Director and CEO of Movel Elevators, highlighted the need for strict adherence to safety standards.

Obiudo unveiled new innovations, including 360-degree circle elevators and elevators with minimal pit requirements, and announced plans to launch a mobile app to facilitate rapid response and maintenance for elevator owners.

He attributed most elevator accidents to low-quality products, poor maintenance, and substandard installation.

Obiudo advised Nigerians to patronise reputable companies with a local presence to ensure timely support and proper servicing.

“Nigeria’s rapid urbanisation has driven a surge in demand for elevators in residential and commercial spaces,” he said.

“But this growth has also brought challenges — ageing infrastructure, poor maintenance, and non-compliance with global safety standards — raising serious concerns about reliability.”

Obiudo stressed that safety remains paramount in elevator design and installation.

“Companies like Movel are working to improve safety and reliability through comprehensive maintenance services, modernisation solutions, and adherence to international standards.

“Regular safety inspections and the use of smart sensors can help detect potential issues before they escalate.”

Also speaking, Muhammed Forid, Export Manager at Hidoks Elevator and partner of Movel Elevators, underscored the need to put passenger safety first.

He said Movel products are equipped with advanced safety devices such as automatic rescue systems, speed governors, and safety gears designed to ensure rapid response and recovery in emergencies, thereby reducing accident risks.