The House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards has successfully mediated a resolution between three rival factions within the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), marking a significant step towards enhancing safety standards across the nation.
Led by Chairman Suleiman Gumi, the committee facilitated this reconciliation by providing each faction an equal platform to voice their concerns and work towards a common ground.
Chairman Gumi underscored the critical importance of this reconciliation for the safety and well-being of Nigerians, noting that a unified ISPON is essential for advancing and enforcing safety regulations nationwide.
The committee’s diligent efforts culminated in the formation of a Caretaker Committee (CTC), tasked with organizing a conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) for ISPON. This will set the stage for the election of new executives, who will govern the Institute as a unified body committed to upholding professional safety standards.
The unity conference, scheduled for October 17th to 19th, 2024, in Abuja, represents a pivotal moment for ISPON.
The event, endorsed by all national leaders of the factions, is anticipated to be a celebratory occasion that symbolizes a fresh start for the organization. The successful reconciliation also sends a strong message to safety professionals across Nigeria, emphasizing the need for collective effort in maintaining high safety standards.
Former ISPON President, Mr. Shaw Fregene, reflected on the roots of the crisis, attributing it to leadership disputes and deviations from the ISPON Act, which had allowed self-interest to overshadow the organization’s core mission. He stressed the importance of adhering to leadership tenure rules, which are vital for maintaining organizational integrity and ensuring regular renewal of leadership.
Mr. Iyenoma Osazee, former Secretary of ISPON, highlighted the detrimental effects of the internal crisis, noting that it had opened the door for foreign entities to encroach on Nigeria’s safety sector, leading to lapses in professionalism. He emphasized the critical need for proper regulation, drawing parallels with South Africa’s stringent requirements for foreign qualifications to be validated before practice.
In light of these developments, the committee has called upon health and environmental practitioners to seek new certifications from ISPON, as only those issued by the newly elected executives after October 19th will be recognized. A revalidation exercise is planned to ensure that all professionals are up to date with the latest standards, reinforcing the credibility and authority of ISPON in the safety sector.
Furthermore, ISPON has announced a call for sponsorship for the upcoming unity conference, which will play a key role in solidifying the Institute’s renewed commitment to safety excellence. This event marks a crucial milestone in the journey towards unifying the organization and strengthening safety practices across Nigeria, with far-reaching implications for the health and safety of all citizens.
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