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ISPON 2026 CONFERENCE, AGM IN UMUAHIA CHAMPIONS PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING FOR SAFER WORKPLACES
ISPON 2026 CONFERENCE, AGM IN UMUAHIA CHAMPIONS PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING FOR SAFER WORKPLACES
ISPON 2026 CONFERENCE, AGM IN UMUAHIA CHAMPIONS PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING FOR SAFER WORKPLACES
UMUAHIA, Abia State — The Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has called for stronger enforcement of workplace safety regulations, improved professional standards and greater attention to workers’ psychological well-being as critical measures for sustainable development and national growth.
The call was made at the 2026 ISPON Annual Professional Development Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, under the theme: “Building Resilient Workplaces: Advancing Psychological Well-being for Sustainable Development and National Growth.”
The conference brought together safety professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety, addressing psychosocial hazards and strengthening the implementation of Nigeria’s safety laws across public and private organisations.
Speaking at the event, the President of ISPON, Chief Stephen Udezi, PhD, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to enforcing professional standards, identifying unqualified practitioners and promoting compliance with the ISPON Act, 2014 (Act No. 2).
Udezi explained that the institute had introduced certificate revalidation for its members to distinguish duly recognised safety professionals from individuals who falsely present themselves as qualified practitioners.
He disclosed that task forces had also been established to monitor compliance with safety regulations in different parts of the country, including the South-South, South-East and other regions.
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According to him, the institute is working to correct longstanding gaps in professional practice by ensuring that individuals who offer safety services possess the requisite training, qualifications and professional recognition.
The ISPON president stressed that workplace safety extends beyond the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), noting that psychological and other psychosocial hazards must receive adequate attention in the design, implementation and management of workplace activities.
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He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the conference to identify workplace risks and develop practical solutions capable of protecting workers’ lives and improving organisational performance.
Udezi also highlighted some of the institute’s achievements, including engagements with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to promote the establishment of safety desks across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
He further noted that the recognition of safety officer positions within the civil service provides opportunities for professional development and career progression, while acknowledging that inadequate funding and limited visibility remain major challenges confronting the institute.
The ISPON president called for increased collaboration among government institutions, employers, training organisations and safety professionals to strengthen compliance and promote a sustainable safety culture nationwide.
Also speaking at the conference, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, Hon. Harrison Nwadike, emphasised the importance of stronger institutional support and collaboration between the National Assembly, government agencies and ISPON.
Nwadike, who served as ISPON’s pro-tem president from June to October 2024, said the institute needed greater government support to fulfil its statutory responsibilities effectively.
He observed that although the institute was established by law, certain provisions governing its leadership and institutional structure could be reviewed to strengthen its relationship with government and improve its regulatory effectiveness.
He maintained that the protection of lives and property remained a fundamental responsibility of government and that workplace safety was essential to national development.
Nwadike further recalled a 2021 directive from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation requiring MDAs to establish health and safety desks. He said efforts were being made to monitor compliance with the directive.
However, he stressed that establishing safety desks alone would not be sufficient without adequately trained personnel to manage them. He called on ISPON to intensify public education, professional verification and engagement with organisations to ensure that workplace safety requirements were properly implemented.
The lawmaker expressed the expectation that the institute’s current leadership would consolidate its internal progress and that subsequent leadership would give greater attention to the practical enforcement of safety regulations in both public and private workplaces.
Earlier, the Chairman of the 2026 ISPON Conference Organising Committee, Dr. Ford Onuoha, welcomed participants to Umuahia and commended the conference administrative committee and its subcommittees for their efforts in organising the event.
Onuoha said the committees had worked diligently for weeks and months to prepare the conference, which featured professional development sessions, keynote presentations, topical discussions and plenary engagements.
He urged participants to contribute actively to the discussions, collaborate with one another and translate the knowledge acquired into practical measures that would improve workplace safety and psychological well-being.
He also disclosed that medical and security arrangements had been made to support participants throughout the event.
The conference featured keynote addresses and professional presentations focusing on workplace resilience, psychosocial hazards, occupational safety and the role of safety professionals in promoting sustainable development.
Another highlight was the presentation of gift items to selected personalities in recognition of their contributions and participation in the institute’s activities.
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