Safety Advocacy: ASSP President, Omoifo-Irefo Meets NNPC GMD, Reps Member, Others

In continuation of her safety advocacy nationwide, the President of American Society of Safety Professionals, (ASSP), Nigerian chapter, Mrs Mercy Omoifo-Irefo, has met with Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, in Abuja.

She said that the meeting was part of ASSP advocacy designed to entrenched safety culture and consciousness among Nigerians.

Omoifo-Irefo and her entourage had during the 12th, August, 2020 courtesy visit, commended the NNPC’s GMD for his continuous support to the association and his sterling leadership quality as well as sustained safety standards in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

While at the NNPC’s tower, she said, “we meet with the GMD and commended him 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.

She said that at the NNPC tower, they also paid a courtesy call on one of the active member of the Association, Engr. Hasaini Ali who is the Managing Director, Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality.

Omoifo-Irefo and her entourage, also interact with the member representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, at the national assembly complex, Abuja.

According to her, they were in the national assembly to introduce and promote the aims and objectives of ASSP which are tailored to create more awareness for safety being a way of life.

She said that the essence of the advocacy tour, is to increase safety awareness and prevent avoidable injuries, accidents and other related workplace and domestic mishaps.

Speaking, Hon. Gwamna Magaji, in his response during the courtesy visit, informed the delegation about the bills he is pursuing concerning the employment of HSE professionals in construction companies to 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 lawmaker was quoted to have said.

Hon. Gwamna 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 bill is passed into law.

As an active member of ASSP, the President urged him to continuously support the association to attain her set objectives.

The entourage also proceeded to Kaduna where they congratulated 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).

The also undertook facility tour at the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) where ASSP members were on ground to receive the National President.

The entourage also met with the Executive Director Services, NNPC who expressed delight over the values ASSP had added to his work.

The EDS-NNPC thanked the Nigerian chairperson of the society for the proactive manner in which she has carried out the advocacy for safety at workplace and homes, across the nation.