Natural Disaster: Abia Government Plans to Create Safety Commission

The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has revealed that the state government is preparing to establish the Abia State Safety Commission as part of a broader effort to strengthen safety regulation across the state.

According to the governor, the proposed commission will oversee and enforce safety standards in residential buildings, workplaces, commercial markets, and industrial facilities throughout the state. The initiative is designed to ensure that safety practices are properly monitored and implemented in both public and private environments.

Governor Otti disclosed this development on Friday while hosting members of the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations. The delegation was led by its chairman, David Idris Zakarias.

During the meeting, the governor explained that the proposal to create the Safety Commission has already secured approval from the State Executive Council. However, the policy still requires legislative endorsement before it can be fully operational across the state.

He emphasized that establishing the commission alone will not be enough to guarantee public safety. According to him, continuous public education and awareness about safety practices are equally necessary in order to reduce the risk of disasters and safeguard both lives and property.

Governor Otti pointed out that unsafe practices remain common in several markets and public spaces. He highlighted situations where exposed electrical wiring and flammable materials are stored in risky conditions, increasing the possibility of fire outbreaks or other emergencies.

To address these concerns, he stressed the need for stronger safety awareness among residents and business owners. He also encouraged the widespread availability of essential safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, to improve emergency preparedness.

“We must keep educating the public and ensure safety tools such as fire extinguishers are readily available,” the governor said while discussing the importance of prevention measures.

Governor Otti further assured the visiting lawmakers that his administration is committed to ensuring that the safety policy is properly backed by legislation so that the commission can operate effectively once established.

Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the committee, David Idris Zakarias, explained that currently only Lagos State operates a formal Safety Commission in the country.

He expressed concern that widespread failure to comply with safety standards is contributing to avoidable risks affecting businesses and citizens across Nigeria. According to him, improving regulatory oversight will help reduce accidents and protect economic activities nationwide.

Experts often emphasize that strong safety governance plays a vital role in reducing disaster risks and protecting communities. Organizations such as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction have repeatedly stressed the importance of preventive safety systems and regulatory frameworks in mitigating disasters around the world.