In its commitment to the prevention and control of hazardous exposure of person involved in diving operations, the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige has expressed support to the development of Diving Regulations for diving operations in Nigeria.
The Minister gave his consent to the development and adoption of diving regulation recently when he received on a courtesy visit the Executive of National Association of Profession Divers (NAPROD) led by its National President, Comrade Thomas Uku.
According to the Minister, “the initiative of the National Association of Professional Divers is highly commendable; it required the encouragement and support of government and critical stakeholders in the spirit of all inclusive protection.”
Speaking further, Ngige emphasized that diving is a global occupation that attracts professionals across the globe; therefore a national regulation is imperative not only to protect divers but also to certify local professionals for competence.
He added that a well thought out Diving Regulation will assist the country in managing its underwater pipeline distribution system as it will check the activities of illegal divers and vandals.
Earlier in his remarks, the National President of the Association of Professional Divers (NAPROD), Comrade Thomas Uku asserted that diving is considered to be a high hazard activity with over 24 fatal accidents recorded between 2009 -2016, adding that diving related hazard can be significantly reduced with the development and adoption of national diving regulations.
Samuel Olowookere,
Deputy Director (Press)
