By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
THE Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Kogi State Branch, has called on governments, corporate organisations and citizens to strictly adhere to safety protocols in order to curb increasing cases of workplace hazards and structural defects across the country.
Elder Friday Sani, (Makama), Kogi Branch Chairman of ISPON, made the call during an advocacy visit to the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, in Lokoja, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Safety Day.
Sani stressed that compliance with established safety standards is essential across all sectors, noting that negligence remains a major contributor to accidents in homes, offices and construction sites.
According to him, safety, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), refers to a condition in which individuals are protected from risks, injuries and loss.
He explained that achieving safety requires deliberate hazard management and the reduction of risks to the barest minimum through preventive measures and conscious planning.
The ISPON chairman attributed the growing incidents of building collapse and fire outbreaks in residential and commercial facilities to poor adherence to safety standards, particularly in construction practices and interior fittings.
Sani further highlighted the importance of risk management and compliance with global workplace safety benchmarks, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, which provide guidelines for minimising occupational risks.
He noted that the ISPON Act was designed to enforce compliance with safety regulations, lamenting that many organisations in Kogi State still disregard basic safety requirements.
“To construct a building or establish a business, a comprehensive safety plan must be in place. Development cannot be carried out arbitrarily without regard for safety regulations,” he said.
While acknowledging the roles of urban and regional planning authorities, Sani emphasised that ISPON professionals provide specialised oversight to ensure strict adherence to safety policies and risk assessment procedures.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for supporting the establishment of the institute’s branch in Kogi, noting that its mandate aligns with the administration’s development agenda.
Sani also urged the NUJ to develop protective frameworks for journalists, particularly those covering high-risk assignments such as elections and political events, where exposure to danger is heightened.
Responding, the NUJ Chairman, Alhaji Seidu Ademu, appreciated the visit and pledged the union’s support in amplifying ISPON’s safety awareness campaign through responsible journalism.
Ademu noted that journalists routinely face occupational risks and agreed that strict observance of safety protocols is vital for their protection and professional effectiveness.
Also speaking, the NUJ Vice President, Zone D, Alhaji Momohjimoh Adeiza, commended ISPON for launching its awareness campaign through the union, assuring of sustained collaboration to promote a culture of safety across the state. (Ends)
