The Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has initiated the enforcement of safety regulations nationwide in both the private and public sectors. Over the weekend, Timothy Iwuagwu, the national president of ISPON, revealed this during a briefing in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. He cited the authority granted by Act No. 2 of 2014 as the basis for this enforcement.
Speaking to journalists as part of the activities commemorating the 2024 World Day for Safety and Health, themed “Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Occupational Safety and Health,” Iwuagwu highlighted the widespread absence of safety officers in many companies. He emphasized that all entities, including supermarkets, churches, hospitals, and schools, are mandated to establish safety units.
Recalling a directive issued by the Head of Service of the federation in July 2022, Iwuagwu noted that all ministries, parastatals, and government agencies are required to establish safety desks. He underscored the stringent penalties outlined in the Act for non-compliance, stating that individuals falsely claiming to be safety officers could face fines up to N100,000 and six months’ imprisonment.
Furthermore, Iwuagwu emphasized that companies appointing non-professionals to oversee safety-critical functions risk fines starting from N500,000 or imprisonment, as stipulated by the Act.
Iwuagu said: “The enforcement of safety compliance in both private and public sectors of the economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has commenced as contained in the relevant provisions of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria Act No 2 of 2014.
“People should look at the Act, the offences and penalties properly, the Act says in both the public and private sector, if an individual claims to be a member of ISPON, whereas he is not, the law says he will pay a fine of not exceeding N100,000 and six-month imprisonment either the fine or imprisonment or both.
“And if a company employs somebody who is not a safety professional to be in charge of safety-critical responsibility, the law says such a company will pay a minimum of N500,000 which means they can even pay N20m or M100m depending on imprisonment to whom it may concern.
“A lot of companies do not have safety officers. All the supermarkets, churches, hospitals, all public and private schools are supposed to have safety units. In July 2022, there was a circular from the head of the service of the federation that every ministry, parastatal or agency of government must have a safety desk, so we have started in earnest to enforce safety compliance, it’s a nationwide thing”.
Acknowledging the lack of government partnership with the organization, the president seized the opportunity to urge governments at all levels to collaborate with ISPON in advancing their agenda for youth employment.
He highlighted the significance of initiating the launch in Akwa Ibom, citing Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda as a driving factor. He emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in governance initiatives, stating, “It’s easier to keep a vehicle that is in motion moving than to move a vehicle that is static.”
Addressing the organization’s challenges, Iwuagwu lamented the leadership crisis that plagued ISPON at its inception. While some members worked tirelessly for progress, others sought to sow seeds of discord and destabilization. Overcoming this crisis proved to be a prolonged struggle for the organization.
The 2024 World Day for Safety and Health was commemorated with a public lecture on “The Challenge of Climate Change on Occupational Safety and Health delivered by Professor Comfort Etok of the University of Uyo and the impact of Institutional Safety —-The Akwa Ibom State experience delivered by Engr. Dr Anthony Akadi”.
