The Niger State Assembly Committee on Works and Infrastructure has raised concerns over the alarming level of non-compliance with safety measures on construction sites by contractors handling ongoing projects in the state.
The Committee cited frequent accidents and near-misses as some of the happenings around the various projects sites.
The committee led by Chairman, Abubakar Suleiman Gomna, during an interface with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure as well as contractors, questioned the effectiveness of the Niger State Ministry in enforcing safety protocols and regulations.
Members of the committee, including Mohammed Haruna and Sani Umar, emphasized the importance of workplace safety in construction projects.
They stressed that construction companies should have dedicated safety departments and called for strict enforcement of safety rules.
Hence, a motion was moved by Mohammed Haruna and seconded by Isah Etsugaie, mandating that any contractor failing to comply with safety rules would have their work stopped.
The Permanent Secretary, Hassan Baba Etsu, assured the committee that the Ministry would prioritize citizens’ safety and enforce safety regulations strictly.
“Contractors will not receive payments without complying with safety protocols, prioritizing citizens’ safety. We also pledge continued cooperation with your Committee for best practices in infrastructural development, supporting the New Niger Agenda, “the Perm Sec stated.
The contractors also pledged to adhere to safety protocols, ensuring a safer working environment.
