ISPON Urges Stricter Safety Enforcement, Sanctions For Violators In Kogi

The Kogi State branch of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has called for stricter enforcement of safety protocols in industrial and residential complexes, urging authorities to impose stiff sanctions on violators to prevent avoidable disasters.

The state chairman of ISPON, Elder Friday Sani, made this call during an advocacy visit to the Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, led by its Chairman, Comrade Seidu Ademu, in commemoration of the 2026 International Safety Day in Lokoja.

Sani emphasized that adherence to safety protocols is critical to safeguarding lives and property, noting that negligence by property owners and regulatory agencies continues to expose residents and workers to unnecessary risks.

He stressed that compliance with regulatory approvals and safety standards remains mandatory before and during construction, lamenting that such requirements are often disregarded.

“Safety is the condition of being protected from harm or risk. It involves deliberate measures to prevent accidents and ensure the physical, emotional, and environmental well-being of citizens,” he said.

According to him, the advocacy visit aimed to raise awareness and encourage both individuals and organizations to prioritize safety in all activities.

He added that journalists, in particular, face occupational hazards and must integrate safety practices into their daily assignments.

“Journalists should be properly equipped with safety knowledge in the course of gathering news so they can report events safely and not become victims themselves,” he noted, describing safety compliance as indispensable for both media practitioners and the general public.

Sani also called on policymakers and regulatory bodies to ensure that all structures meet safety requirements before approvals are granted, linking the frequent cases of building collapse and fire outbreaks to widespread non-compliance.

“Many fire incidents become disastrous because emergency responders cannot access affected buildings due to poor planning and disregard for safety protocols,” he warned.

He further pledged ISPON’s readiness to collaborate with the NUJ to amplify safety awareness across the state and commended Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, for supporting the establishment of the institute’s state branch.

In his response, NUJ Chairman Comrade Seidu Ademu appreciated the visit and assured that journalists would continue to promote safety awareness among citizens.

He acknowledged the importance of safety protocols in journalism, noting that reporters often operate in high-risk environments.

“As a union, we are committed to partnering with ISPON to disseminate accurate information that will improve public understanding and adherence to safety standards,” he said.