The Kogi State branch of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has appealed to the Nigerian Navy for support in enforcing safety regulations and promoting compliance across the state to prevent avoidable hazards and loss of lives.
The Chairman of ISPON in Kogi State, who doubles as Kogi State Government consultant on safety standards, regulations and compliance Elder Dr. Friday Sani, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard, Lokoja, Commodore Adesola Ojo.
Sani said the institute, established by an Act of the National Assembly in 2014, was committed to promoting occupational safety and environmental protection. He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritising safety issues in the state through the adoption of policies aimed at strengthening compliance with safety standards.
According to him, ISPON is statutorily empowered to regulate the practice of safety management in Nigeria, stressing that no individual is permitted to practise as a safety professional without being a registered member of the institute.
“The institute has the mandate to ensure compliance with safety standards in workplaces, conduct training and retraining programmes for organisations, and promote best safety practices in both public and private institutions,” he said.
Sani noted that the institute’s operations in Kogi State would be more effective with the cooperation of security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Navy.
He explained that the state’s policy directive on the implementation of 100 per cent affirmative action on safety standards, regulations and compliance was designed to safeguard lives, property and the environment.
“Safety and Occupational Health is clearly defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO) alongside the World Health Organization (WHO). It refers to the protection of workers in workplaces and the protection of the environment from hazards and avoidable loss of lives and property,” he said.
“This is exactly what the newly adopted policy of the Kogi State Government under our amiable Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, intends to fully implement in the interest of the people of Kogi State.”
Sani outlined the institute’s areas of responsibility to include ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols in workplaces, insisting on Environmental Impact Assessments and safety plans before the establishment of industries and buildings, and ensuring that heavy-duty vehicle operations do not pose threats to public safety.
He further stated that ISPON was responsible for ensuring that companies maintained up-to-date safety documentation and that only qualified safety professionals were allowed to practise in the state.
“Recreational centres, markets and other public places must observe safety protocols to prevent hazards. We are also committed to the continuous training and retraining of government and non-governmental organisations on safety standards, regulations and compliance,” he added.
Responding, Commodore Ojo disclosed that he had been a member of ISPON for several years and described safety as a critical issue requiring collective responsibility.
“You cannot talk about safety without considering the riverine areas. The Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard has the mandate to provide security and safety on our waterways. That is why we collaborate closely with agencies such as the State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant stakeholders,” he said.
The naval commander lamented the poor level of compliance with safety precautions across the country and called for intensified public enlightenment.
“It is unfortunate to see people boarding boats beyond their carrying capacity. Recently, we recorded incidents where passengers travelled without life jackets. If such boats capsize, the consequences could be devastating,” he said.
He urged ISPON to work with the Nigerian Navy and other agencies to establish a coordinated enforcement mechanism capable of sanctioning safety violators.
“There must be consequences for negligence. Enforcement is necessary if we truly want to change attitudes towards safety. Awareness alone may not be sufficient,” Ojo stated.
As part of its advocacy campaign, the ISPON delegation also visited the Ohimege Igu of Koton Karfe and Chairman of the Kogi Local Government Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, to solicit traditional support for safety compliance.
Addressing the monarch, Sani expressed concern over the plight of workers exposed to unsafe conditions without compensation.
“We have a young man in Lokoja who suffered a tragic industrial accident while working for a company. His hands were severed by a machine during the course of his duties. Rather than support him, the company allegedly threatened him against speaking out,” he said.
“That unfortunate incident rendered him incapable of providing for his family. Sadly, this is just one example among many. It is our responsibility to ensure that workers are protected and that employers uphold their obligations under safety regulations.”
The traditional ruler commended ISPON for its sustained commitment to promoting safety awareness and compliance in the state.
“I want to thank the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for creating an enabling environment for this institute to function effectively. Self-preservation is very important. Many people take certain actions for granted without realising the dangers involved,” he said.
He emphasised the need for continuous sensitization on safety practices at homes, workplaces and public spaces.
“We will continue to educate our people on the importance of being safety conscious. Prevention remains the best approach because many accidents can be avoided through simple precautions,” the monarch added.
Dr. Salihu was later inducted as a Fellow of the institute in recognition of his commitment to community development and to further mobilise support for safety compliance and enforcement within traditional institutions and workplaces across the state.
