As part of ongoing efforts to institutionalize best practices in health, safety, and environmental management under the ARISE Agenda, the Akwa Ibom State Government has moved to enforce strict adherence to workplace safety and environmental standards across industrial operations in the state.
This commitment was demonstrated during an inspection of GTL Pumar Limited on Friday, June 13, 2025.
The company, which specializes in the production of brake pads and auto accessories, recently relocated its operations to Usung Mbat Enen Road, Ikot Edwek Itak, Ikono Local Government Area.
Leading the inspection team, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Safety, and Environment, Mrs. Jayne Ufot, described the visit as part of a broader initiative to instill safety consciousness across all industrial activities in the state.
According to her, Governor Umo Eno’s priority is to ensure that workplaces across Akwa Ibom are not only productive but also safe, secure and free of hazards.
While commending GTL Pumar for complying with the directive of the Governor to relocate from their former site, she expressed concern over the absence of basic safety protocols at the new facility, stating that the current level of compliance was “zero.”
“We are happy that the environment here is a lot better than where they were previously, and I commend the company for relocating as directed by the Governor.
“since this is our first visit, we are giving them room for improvement. We expect to see a more positive safety culture, a better-equipped health facility, regulated work hours, and full PPE compliance among the workers during our next visit,” she said.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Projects, Prof. Akaninyene Ekong acknowledged the physical improvements in the new facility compared to the old site but described the operational safety standards as “significantly low.”
He emphasized that no punitive actions would be taken yet, as the goal was to familiarize the company with the state’s expectations on compliance.
On her part, Prof. Comfort Etuk of Akwa Ibom State Infrastructural Maintenance Agency, commended GTL Pumar for employing locals in its operations while underscoring the importance of creating a safer work environment.
She lauded the Governor’s establishment of the HSE Directorate as a timely intervention to raise awareness and improve workplace safety across the state.
Responding on behalf of the company, Mr. Peter Yuan, the Marketing Manager of GTL Pumar Ltd, thanked the inspection team for their visit and assured that all observations and recommendations would be addressed as a matter of priority.
Other members of the inspection team included Engr. Solomon Eyo, Mrs. Emmanuela Ibok, Mr. Peter John, Mr. Peter Asuquo and Mr. Ekemini James.
