By Onome Oghenetega
The Nigeria chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has advocated for the creation of safety trainings in schools at all levels to introduce and promote safety culture among upcoming generations in the country.
President of ASSP in Nigeria, Mrs Mercy Omoifo-Irefo, made the call when he led members of the body on a visit to the member representing Zangon Kataf / Jaba Federal Constituency (Kaduna state) at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji.
Omoifo-Irefo noted that safety trainings in the traditional educational system will increase safety awareness and prevent avoidable injuries, accidents and other related workplace and living mishaps.
While calling for concerted efforts at encouraging safety in all facets of the industries, Nigerian ASSP President urged the lawmaker and his colleagues to enact bills that will enhance safety practice especially among industry players in the country.
Responding, Hon. Magaji, who is also a member, House Committee on Education, told the delegation that he was already pursuing a bill that will makes it mandatory for the employment Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) professionals by construction companies.
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According to him, the employment of HSE professionals will ensure that any design for construction is assessed by safety professionals and approved before using them in any construction job.
“This will also include quality control and review of materials to be used in such construction works especially when it concerns policy plans”, the federal lawmaker stated.
Magaji, however, promised to sponsor the two bills, provide all necessary evidence to support the bills while working with other members of his committee and the House, to make sure that the bills are passed into law.
As an active member of ASSP, the President urged him to continuously support the association to attain her set objectives.
Omoifo-Irefo and her entourage proceeded to the NNPC Towers, Abuja to appreciate and felicitate with the Group Managing Director – NNPC – Mallam Mele Kolo Kayari for his high sense of creativity in repositioning NNPC and the Oil and Gas sector for Sustainable Business Continuity Plan for Nigeria, with workplace safety as an underlining factor.
Within the NNPC Towers, the President of American Society of Safety Professionals and her entourage also paid a courtesy call on one its active members, Engr. Hasaini Ali who is the Managing Director, Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality.
The President appreciated him for his continuous support to the association in recognition of his track records in steering and sustaining positive quality safety standards in the Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria.
The entourage also proceeded to Kaduna to congratulate the new President-Elect (the next in line to become the ASSP Nigerian Chapter President after the current exco’s tenure expires in July 2021) and were taken to Kaduna Refinery with ASSP members on ground to receive their National President.
