Abia to Deepen Safety Standards, Partners ISPON on Industrial Development.
The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening workplace and public safety through a strategic partnership with the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) as the state intensifies its industrialisation drive.
Governor Dr. Alex Otti gave the assurance when he received the leadership of ISPON, led by its National President, Chief Dr. Stephen Udezi, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Umuahia.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, welcomed the Institute’s offer to provide professional safety services and advisory support to the state, describing the initiative as timely in view of Abia’s growing industrial and infrastructure development.
He said the present administration was committed to collaborating with professional bodies whose expertise would contribute to sustainable development and improved governance.
“I must say that everything good now finds its way to Abia State,” he said, while commending ISPON for offering professional safety support and free safety audits for government facilities.
He disclosed that the state would carefully consider the Institute’s requests, including support for its forthcoming Professional Development Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for October 14 to 16, 2026, in Umuahia.
According to him, hosting professional conferences has become part of the government’s strategy for stimulating the local economy, noting that visitors attending such events spend money on accommodation, transportation, food, and other services, thereby creating income for residents.
“The money spent in sponsoring such a programme is far less than what participants will inject into the state’s economy. Whichever way you look at it, Abia gains because our people benefit economically,” he said.
He further revealed that the state is undergoing significant industrialisation through the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP), stressing that strict safety standards would be enforced across industries operating in the state.
Governor Otti also sought ISPON’s collaboration in training personnel involved in the government’s ongoing market retrofitting programme to prevent fire outbreaks and improve public safety, adding that the proposed State Safety Commission would work closely with the Institute.
Earlier, the National President of ISPON, Chief Dr. Stephen Udezi, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Institute and the Abia State Government in promoting occupational, environmental, and public safety.
He praised Governor Alex Otti’s leadership and ongoing reforms, describing Abia as one of Nigeria’s fastest-developing states.
According to him, the Institute intends to support the state through technical advisory services, capacity building, specialised safety training for government personnel and contractors, as well as professional guidance for projects, including the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park.
Udezi also urged the state government to establish an Abia State Safety Commission to coordinate safety policies and regulatory compliance across the public and private sectors.
He disclosed that the Institute chose Abia State as the venue for its 2026 Professional Development Conference and Annual General Meeting because of the remarkable transformation taking place under Governor Otti’s administration.
The ISPON President explained that the conference is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates from Nigeria and beyond, boosting tourism, hospitality, and commercial activities within the state.
He also pledged that the Institute would conduct a comprehensive safety audit of the Government House at no cost and assist in training government officials to become certified safety professionals.
Udezi reminded organisations that under the ISPON Act 2014, only duly registered members of the Institute are recognised as professional safety practitioners in Nigeria. He warned that individuals and corporate organisations employing unqualified safety personnel risk fines and imprisonment.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Abia State Branch, Engr. Henry Uzoma, described the visit as a strategic step towards integrating safety into the state’s development agenda.
He stressed the need for the establishment of a State Safety Commission as Abia continues to attract local and foreign investments, saying a coordinated safety framework would enhance investor confidence and ensure compliance with global safety standards.
Uzoma announced that the October conference would attract safety professionals from across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond, adding that the event would further boost the state’s economy while promoting safety awareness.
He commended Governor Otti for what he described as exceptional leadership, stating that the Governor’s developmental strides had set a benchmark for governance in the South-East and inspired neighbouring states to improve their performance.
