Niger State Assembly Committee Investigates Safety Protocols in Construction Project.
The Niger State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Works and Infrastructure, under the leadership of Chairman Hon. Arc. Abubakar Suleiman Gomna, convened a crucial interface with the Niger State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the contractors managing ongoing projects within the state.
During the meeting, Arc. Gomna raised significant concerns regarding the troubling frequency of non-compliance with safety measures on construction sites, pointing to a series of accidents and near-misses.
He queried the Ministry’s effectiveness in enforcing the necessary safety protocols and regulations.
Hon. Engr. Mohammed Alhaji Haruna (Bida South) and Hon. Sani Umar (Kontagora 1) emphasized the critical importance of workplace safety in construction projects. They expressed astonishment at the insufficient focus on traffic safety and control, insisting that every construction company should employ a dedicated workplace safety department.
In light of these concerns, Hon. Engr. Mohammed Haruna proposed a motion, seconded by Hon. Isah Etsugaie, which mandates that any contractor found in violation of safety regulations would face immediate cessation of work.
In response, Permanent Secretary Engr. Hassan Baba Etsu assured the Committee that the Ministry would rigorously enforce safety regulations.
He emphasized that contractors would not receive payments unless they adhered to safety protocols, thereby prioritizing the safety of all citizens.
Engr. Etsu confirmed that contractors had committed to following safety regulations, promoting a secure working environment.
The Ministry pledged to maintain ongoing collaboration with the Committee to ensure best practices in infrastructural development, furthering the objectives of the New Niger Agenda.
