ISPON Seeks Strategic Partnership with NSCDC to Enforce Safety Standards in Kogi

The Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has called for a strategic partnership with the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen the enforcement of safety standards and regulations across the state.

The State Chairman of ISPON who also double as the Kogi State Government State consultant on safety standards regulations and compliance Elder Dr Friday Sani made this known during a courtesy and familiarization visit by the institutes management Team to the state commandant of the NSCDC Mr. Olumide Ebenezer Aletan, in Lokoja. 

Elder Dr Friday Sani lamented that many environmental and work places Hazards resulting in loss of lives and property were avoidable if industries, corporate organisations and individuals strictly adhered to established safety protocols. He stressed that safety remains a critical component of sustainable development and public welfare.

According to him, ISPON was established by law in 1980 and subsequently gazetted by the National Assembly in 2014 to regulate safety practice and ensure compliance with occupational health and safety standards across the country.

He said, "The safety of our communities is of utmost importance. Our mandate is to ensure total compliance with safety standards, regulations and best practices. The only security agency whose mandate aligns closely with the objectives of ISPON is the NSCDC, making this partnership very crucial."

Elder Dr Sani commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritising safety issues in the state, noting that the governor's support for the institute had encouraged more Kogi indigenes to embrace professional safety practice.

"We are fortunate to have a governor who places premium value on safety. He has demonstrated commitment by supporting the institute and creating opportunities for more people from Kogi State to become certified safety professionals," he said.

The ISPON chairman urged the NSCDC to intensify the training and retraining of its personnel on safety management, noting that many accidents and fatalities could be prevented through adequate awareness and compliance with safety regulations.

"There are many deaths that are preventable. Unfortunately, due to negligence and poor safety culture, incidents continue to occur. We have seen workers exposed to live electrical installations and hazardous environments without proper protection. These are situations we must collectively address and stop," he stated.

Sani further expressed concern that many companies operating in Nigeria were yet to embrace global safety standards despite the country's commitment to international conventions on occupational safety and health.

He highlighted the Kogi State Government's policy directive on the implementation of 100 per cent affirmative action on safety standards, regulations and compliance, describing it as a major step towards safeguarding lives and investments in the state.

"Occupational Safety and Health is clearly defined by both the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). It involves protecting workers, workplaces and the environment from hazards that can lead to injuries, illnesses, deaths and property losses.

"The Ododo administration has adopted a robust safety policy aimed at ensuring the protection of lives and property across the state. ISPON is committed to supporting the government in achieving this objective."

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Sani also warned against quackery in the safety profession, stressing that the law establishing ISPON prohibits unlicensed individuals from practising as safety professionals.

"The recent fire incident at the GSM Market in Lokoja underscores the consequences of non-compliance with safety regulations. Such incidents are largely preventable when safety measures are put in place and strictly enforced," he noted.

He added that violations of the provisions of the ISPON Act attract sanctions, including fines and prosecution, and appealed to the NSCDC to create a dedicated desk for the institute within the command structure to facilitate effective collaboration and enforcement.

The ISPON chairman outlined the institute's key areas of focus, including ensuring strict compliance with workplace safety protocols, enforcing environmental impact assessments and safety plans before the establishment of industries and buildings, monitoring the operations of heavy-duty vehicles to prevent accidents, and ensuring that only qualified professionals practise safety management in the state.

Other priorities, according to him, include promoting safety compliance in markets and recreational centres, as well as organising regular training and retraining programmes for public and private sector organisations.

Responding, the Kogi State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Olumide Ebenezer Aletan, described safety as the foundation of trust, stability and effective risk management in any society.

"Safety is about trust, stability and predictability. We must be able to identify risks and foresee potential dangers before they occur. Prevention remains the most effective approach to safeguarding lives and critical infrastructure," Aletan said.

He noted that the NSCDC's mandate of protecting critical national assets and infrastructure aligns closely with the objectives of ISPON, making collaboration between both organisations necessary.

"When safety measures are in place, people enjoy peace of mind and confidence in their environment. We must stop taking safety issues for granted because the consequences can be devastating," he added.

The Commandant further emphasised the need for sustained public enlightenment on safety issues, beginning from schools, religious institutions and community organisations.

"Your work is very important. Safety awareness should start from our homes, schools, places of worship and workplaces. We assure ISPON of our full cooperation and partnership to ensure the successful implementation of safety standards and regulations across Kogi State," Aletan stated.

He pledged the command's commitment to working closely with ISPON to promote a stronger safety culture, enhance compliance with regulations and reduce avoidable accidents and disasters across the state.

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