Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to establishing the Abia State Safety Commission to strengthen safety standards across homes, markets, offices, and industries in the state.
Otti made this known on Friday, March 6, when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, led by its Chairman, David Idris Zakarias, at his office.
The governor disclosed that the state had already commenced the process of establishing the commission, adding that the policy had secured approval from the State Executive Council and was awaiting legislative backing for full implementation.
He stressed that beyond setting up the commission, sustained public reorientation on safety practices is critical to preventing disasters and safeguarding lives and property.
According to him, many practices in markets and workshops expose people to unnecessary risks.
“What I find even more important is the reorientation of our people so they understand that some of their practices expose them to danger rather than protect them,” Otti said.
“In some markets, you see poorly installed electrical wires and combustible materials kept carelessly. We must continue to educate our people and ensure that fire extinguishers are readily available.”
The governor noted that safety measures go beyond fire prevention, even though fire incidents remain the most common emergency in the state.
He assured that his administration would ensure the safety policy is properly backed by law so that future governments can sustain and build on the initiative.
Otti further disclosed that the state currently operates more than 10 fire trucks and expressed the government’s determination to deploy firefighting equipment to all local government areas.
He commended the committee for its initiative and urged it to encourage other states to establish similar safety commissions.
“This is a commendable initiative, and you should encourage other states to adopt it as well,” the governor added, stressing that the primary objective of the commission would be the protection of lives and investments rather than revenue generation.
Earlier, Zakarias said the committee’s visit was to advocate the establishment of the Abia State Safety Commission, noting that Lagos State is currently the only state in the country with a similar body.
“We have observed that non-compliance with safety standards has negatively affected lives and businesses in Nigeria.
“Given the pace of industrial growth in Abia, there is a compelling need for a safety commission to protect citizens and investments,” he said.
Also speaking, the committee’s Health and Safety Consultant, Iwu Finian, commended Otti’s leadership, noting that the state was witnessing increased investments in manufacturing, construction, oil services, and agro-processing.
He warned that the absence of a dedicated safety regulatory body could expose the public to health and legal risks while also limiting potential economic benefits.
Those present at the meeting included the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna; the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters, Cleopatra Ubani.
