The Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has urged the government to enact legislation establishing a dedicated institute to support and enhance safety management across the country.
ISPON emphasized that such legislation would enforce strict adherence to safety policies within organizations and establish appropriate measures for handling safety violations.
Speaking at the induction ceremony of 31 new members in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, ISPON President Timothy Iwuagwu highlighted the need for all public and private organizations to maintain safety departments and enforce comprehensive safety policies.
“Every organization within the Federal Republic of Nigeria must have a safety department and adhere to well-defined safety policies. Management must demonstrate commitment to these policies, and compliance should be overseen by certified safety professionals,” Iwuagwu stated.
He acknowledged the government’s progress in establishing ISPON through an Act of the National Assembly but stressed the need for further action.
“The government has taken a step by formalizing the institute, but enforcement remains crucial. Prescribed sanctions exist, but punitive measures alone are insufficient. More effort is needed to ensure compliance, especially within public sector institutions, as the government itself is often the greatest violator,” he added.
Rivers State ISPON Coordinator, Fasusi Olayinka, underscored the significance of the induction ceremony, noting that under ISPON regulations, individuals cannot claim to be safety professionals without official membership.
“According to Section 14 of our law, anyone who practices safety management without ISPON membership is committing an offense. The induction formalizes their membership, following the completion of required examinations, screenings, and assessments,” Olayinka explained.
As the Secretary of ISPON’s National Committee on Safety Ethics, Compliance, and Enforcement, Olayinka highlighted ongoing collaborations with relevant organizations to raise awareness, organize workshops, and provide public safety training. He also appealed for more government support.
He called on the Rivers State government and other stakeholders to join hands with ISPON in advancing safety awareness and enforcement.
“The Rivers State government has significant influence. If we collaborate, we can launch a statewide safety education project and extend training to rural communities. This cannot be done by ISPON alone. With government sponsorship and additional resources such as vehicles for compliance monitoring, we can make a lasting impact,” Olayinka concluded.
