AKWA IBOM GOVERNMENT CRACKS DOWN ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY NON-COMPLIANCE

In an assertive step to institutionalize best practices under the ARISE Agenda, the Akwa Ibom State Government is intensifying its enforcement of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards across industrial operations. This renewed focus was underscored on Friday, June 13, when a state inspection team visited GTL Pumar Limited, a brake pad and auto accessories manufacturer now operating from Usung Mbat Enen Road, Ikot Edwek Itak in Ikono LGA.
Led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on HSE, Mrs. Jayne Ufot, the visit was described as a move to instill a proactive safety culture among industrial actors. While Mrs. Ufot commended the company for complying with Governor Umo Eno’s relocation directive, she condemned the total absence of fundamental safety protocols at the new site, bluntly stating that the compliance level was “zero.”
Despite offering the company time to improve, she stressed expectations for PPE usage, a fully functional health facility, regulated work hours, and demonstrable improvements before the next visit.
Also present was the SSA to the Governor on Projects, Prof. Akaninyene Ekong, who echoed concerns about substandard operational safety, while urging compliance as a cooperative, rather than punitive, process. Prof. Comfort Etuk of the Akwa Ibom State Infrastructural Maintenance Agency praised GTL Pumar’s employment of local workers, but insisted that protecting those workers must remain paramount.
Company representative, Mr. Peter Yuan, expressed gratitude for the visit and promised prompt implementation of all recommendations. Other officials on the inspection team included Engr. Solomon Eyo, Mrs. Emmanuela Ibok, Mr. Peter John, Mr. Peter Asuquo, and Mr. Ekemini James.