Oil firms, telecom companies, and others are to ensure a reduction in radiation from indiscriminate deployment of telecom equipment to curb pollution in the environment.
The House of Representatives has expressed its readiness to clamp down on erring oil and gas, power, telecommunication, and construction companies, among others as part of ongoing efforts geared toward ensuring the safety of Nigerians across the country.
Chairman, House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, Rep. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi (APC, Zamfara) issued the threat during the inauguration of the Committee on Friday saying the Committee will not entertain any erring company as it will ensure zero tolerance to safety standards compliance in all Sectors.
The Zamfara lawmaker also warned that the Committee will ensure a reduction in radiation from indiscriminate deployment of telecom equipment; to ensure compliance, clean-up of hazardous waste, and propel Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to curb pollution in the oil and gas sector.
In discharging its functions, he assured that the Committee will “use all legislative tools in ensuring that the safety of all Nigerians across all sectors of our economy is guaranteed with a creative and innovative approach in our oversight functions.
“The next 3 years plus of our activities in the Committee will primarily focus on a vision to be a frontline and globally recognised legislative platform, committed to safety standards and optimum safe environment for all.
“This we intend to achieve through our mission statement of promoting and enforcing Safety Standards and Regulations at all levels through safety-conscious legislative and oversight functions and technological-driven processes in private and public sectors.
“Our topmost principles and priority will be based on the 4Cs of Consolidation, Capacity Building, Compliance and Culture. In the next three years of this Committee, we will ensure that the House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations becomes the lead in safety-related matters and build mutual trust among stakeholders and citizens.
“Furthermore, we will ensure that there is an increased compliance rate to safety standards and regulations among high and medium organizations as well as an increase in the pool of well-trained and certified team of safety professionals in Nigeria.”
While inaugurating the Committee, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu expressed grave concern over disregard and non-compliance to safety standards and regulations by some public and private institutions across the country.
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He however said the nation’s dilemma has been how best to translate to reality the task of identifying, eliminating, and controlling hazards adding that the Parliament is saddened by catastrophic events across the country ranging from fatal motor accidents, explosions, boat mishaps, accidental discharge, market fires which has claimed innocent lives and loss of properties.
Kalu therefore tasked Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government and other private institutions to wake up to their responsibilities declaring that “The lives or assets of citizens of both private and public institutions should matter to control the risks inherent in their operations.
“Consequently, the leadership and membership of this Committee has been carefully selected to reverse this trend using all the tools available to us as the legislative arm of government. I am confident that their legislative and oversight functions would resolve the challenges faced by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and the Private Sector.
“I am particularly pleased with the well-articulated and pragmatic strategic plan developed by the Committee within this short time. The goals are apt, and I wish to reassure the Committee of the support of the Leadership of the House.”
