Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas calls for cooperative efforts among stakeholders in the power sector to effectively combat the occurrence of fires, grid failures, infrastructure deterioration, theft and vandalism of public assets. Ta.
He also said there is a need to establish a strong safety framework and develop policies to prioritize human lives while ensuring the reliability of electricity supplies.
Speaker Abbas made the call while making remarks at the opening of a two-day conference on “Security of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry” organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards, Public Policy Analysis and Regulation in Abuja on Thursday.
Represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Speaker Abbas said the discussion was solely focused on protecting human lives.
“Every worker who enters a power plant or climbs a utility pole has the right to return home safely at the end of his shift. Similarly, all citizens involved in electrical infrastructure must act without fear for their safety. Our duty as leaders is not just to comply with regulations; it is to foster an environment where safety is ingrained in our culture.
“Nigeria is known to suffer from subsequent incidents of electrocution, fire incidents, grid failures, infrastructure decay, theft and vandalism. associated with poor infrastructure, inadequate firefighting facilities, installation of substandard materials, security neglect by unlicensed operators, and a culture of low maintenance.
“This conference serves as a call to action for all relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, regulators and civil society organizations, to work together effectively to establish a strong safety framework. must leverage their collective expertise to develop policies that prioritize human lives while ensuring the reliability of power supplies.
“Achieving these goals will require cooperation among stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, trade unions, and civil society organizations. We can develop comprehensive strategies that not only meet but exceed standards. We provide training that provides workers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively avoid potential hazards. We need to invest in the program.”
technological progress
Abbas also reiterated Parliament’s commitment to enact legislation that not only promotes safety and promotes technological progress, but also ensures safety.
Comprehensive enough to cover existing practices, yet flexible enough to accommodate new technologies.
“Our greatest duty as legislators is to enact laws that not only prioritize safety but also promote technological advancement. It is essential that the regulatory framework evolves in tandem with these advances. We want the law to be comprehensive enough to cover existing practices. You need to be prepared, yet flexible enough to accommodate new technologies.
“Our commitment to strengthening safety standards is exemplified by this conference itself. Our collaboration with the House Safety Standards and Regulatory Committee and the Public Policy Institute is a testament to our commitment to creating a platform for the free exchange of ideas. It is through these partnerships that we are able to develop actionable strategies to improve safety protocols while fostering innovative practices within the industry. Masu.
Addressing the two-day discussion, Abbas said all parties should remember that safety should never be an afterthought, but is a fundamental principle that guides all aspects of the electricity supply industry. .
He added that it is essential to take a proactive approach to safety, one that anticipates potential hazards rather than simply reacting after they occur.
Latefa Ibrahim
