Builders Beware! Niger Assembly Suspends Contractors Over Deadly Safety Lapses

The Niger State House of Assembly has issued a firm directive mandating all contractors to strictly adhere to safety protocols at construction sites throughout the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Contractors who violate these safety regulations will face immediate suspension from their projects.

This resolution stemmed from a motion put forward by Hon. Engr. Mohammed Haruna of the Bida II Constituency and seconded by Hon. Isah Etsugaie, representing the Agaie Constituency.

Lawmakers underscored the critical need to prioritize workplace safety—particularly in traffic control and hazard mitigation—by requiring all construction firms to establish dedicated safety departments.

The motion followed discussions at a meeting between the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Works and Infrastructure, officials from the Niger State Ministry of Works, and contractors managing ongoing projects.

Chairman of the Committee, Arc. Abubakar Suleiman Gomna, expressed concern over poor safety enforcement, pointing to several accidents and close calls resulting from negligence. He challenged the Ministry’s monitoring systems and called for stronger oversight and accountability.

In response, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Qs. Hassan Baba Etsu, pledged stricter enforcement, stating that no contractor would receive payment without full compliance with safety guidelines.

He further noted that all contractors had agreed to meet the safety standards, and the Ministry would continue collaborating with the Assembly to ensure secure and efficient project delivery in alignment with the New Niger Agenda.