The Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers has reaffirmed its commitment to intensify lobbying efforts with the National Assembly and the 36 state Houses of Assembly to enact legislation that will empower the body to curb the recurring incidents of building collapses and oil tanker accidents across Nigeria.
As a subsidiary of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NiSafetyE expressed concern over the rising number of fuel tanker accidents and building collapses, which have claimed numerous lives and caused the destruction of millions of naira worth of property over the years.
The institution attributed these tragedies to weak or insufficient legislation.
Speaking during the investiture of the 5th national chairman of NiSafetyE in Port Harcourt over the weekend, the newly appointed chairman, Dr. Andrew Monday Abanum, emphasized the importance of safety awareness for tanker operators.
He said he would “intensify awareness campaigns to educate tanker drivers on the need to consider safety as a top priority in their chosen job of conveying petroleum products from one point to another.”
Dr. Abanum lamented the devastating consequences of tanker accidents, noting that “whenever a tanker laden with petroleum products is involved in an accident and the product spills, the devastation is usually too massive as people at the scene of the accident get burnt and property worth millions of naira is destroyed in the process.”
He further stated, “Our campaign will be extended to ensuring that the tankers on the road are of quality standard, the drivers must be certified to be of good mental health, while the government must ensure that the roads are in good shape, devoid of potholes.”
The NiSafetyE chairman also pledged that every petroleum tanker would undergo safety testing by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria before being allowed on the roads, ensuring that even in the event of an accident, fuel spillage would be prevented.
Addressing the issue of frequent building collapses, Dr. Abanum said the situation was a major concern for the institution. He advised that engineering projects should only be handled by certified professionals and that substandard building materials must be scrutinized.
“Quality materials must be considered. The structural design and other necessities must be thoroughly taken into account before any building project is carried out,” he said.
He added, “This is why in my two years as the national chairman of NiSafetyE, we will lobby the National Assembly and the 36 states’ Assembly to make legislation that will empower our organisation and other safety bodies to check the excesses of some disgruntled elements who flout safety orders and instructions.”
