By Ambrose Nnaji
The House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations has commended the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) for upholding robust health and safety standards at the Calabar Power Plant in Odukpani, Cross River State.
The commendation followed an on-the-spot inspection of the 565MW facility, where lawmakers noted marked improvements in safety compliance since their last visit in 2018.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. David Idris Zacharias, said the oversight visit was aimed at ensuring that Nigerians work in safe environments and enjoy healthier, longer lives. He praised the staff for maintaining high standards, stressing that the welfare of workers in the power sector is vital to both government and the economy.
“My impression here is positive, and you also heard the same from my honourable colleagues. We always appreciate when we enter an organisation and see that things are done well,” Zacharias said.
He, however, emphasized that the visit was also to identify areas for improvement. “We must observe and highlight areas that require attention. What we are saying here is to encourage them to deepen their commitment to safety. We saw their challenges, which we will take back to the government, and we hope to see progress on our next visit,” he added.
The lawmakers particularly called for enhancements to staff welfare, including improved lighting, better rest areas for shift workers, and adequate seating in offices.
Committee members present included Hon. Harrison Anozie Nwadike, Hon. Suleiman Abubakar Gumi, Hon. Kalejaiye Paul Adeboye, Hon. El-Rasheed Abdullahi, and Hon. Emmanuel Effiong Udo. They were conducted around the plant by the Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Ayoade Olanrewaju Bex, and described the facility as one of the best in terms of safety compliance.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Executive Director, Generation, Engr. Abdullahi Kassim, NDPHC’s General Manager, Generation Projects, Engr. Valerie Agberagba, reaffirmed that safety remains a top priority for the company.
“The visit was very important to us. Comparing the 2018 report to what we have now shows a great improvement in compliance. This proves NDPHC is not taking safety and environmental standards for granted,” she said.
She assured the lawmakers that management has noted the areas highlighted for improvement. “The welfare of our staff is critical. If they are not in good condition to work, we won’t get the best out of them. Those observations will be addressed in the shortest possible time,” Agberagba added.
Acting Head of Health, Safety and Environment at NDPHC, Austin Ijagem, also revealed that the Calabar Power Plant has not recorded any work-related fatalities since operations began.
“The difference between 2018 and now is clear. Many of the safety concerns previously raised have been closed out. We are moving closer to achieving zero pending safety issues at the plant,” Ijagem said.
Caption for picture:
L-R:
General Manager, Generation Projects, NDPHC, Engr. Valerie Agberagba, Chairman of the Committee, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, David Idris Zachariah and Chief Operating Officer of the Calabar Power Plant, Engr. Ayoade Olanrewaju Bex at the power plant in Odukpani.
