Get Guardian on GoogleThe Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON) has unveiled plans to strengthen the regulation of chemical practice, eliminate quackery and promote safer industrial processes as part of efforts to build a lead-free chemical industry in the country.
The Ag. Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of ICCON, Chemist Idongesit Reuben Akwaowo, disclosed this at the opening of the Institute’s 21st Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Workshop, Induction and Fellowship Investiture, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Hall, Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, Towards a Lead-Free Chemical Industry in Nigeria: Advancing Safer Chemistry, Sustainable Alternatives and Regulatory Compliance, Akwaowo said the Institute would intensify stakeholder engagement, professional verification, capacity building and enforcement to address gaps in chemical practice.
He disclosed that the Regulatory Framework for the Practice of Chemistry, gazetted last year, became effective in June 2026 as an instrument of enforcement, adding that the Institute was determined to ensure that individuals undertaking professional chemistry functions possessed the requisite qualifications, registration and valid practising licences.
He said the Institute would also conduct national chemical personnel audits and collaborate with relevant authorities to discourage unqualified persons from undertaking regulated professional functions.
Akwaowo, who stressed that the regulatory drive was not intended to frustrate legitimate businesses, said it was designed to create a safer and more accountable chemical sector.
He further disclosed that ICCON was engaging the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser to strengthen professional verification requirements for chemical transactions and End-User Certificates (EUCs), particularly to prevent the diversion and misuse of controlled or sensitive chemicals.
According to him, the Institute anticipates a transition within six months towards a verification process that recognises current professional standing, valid practising licences and regulatory compliance in the issuance of EUCs.
On professional development, Akwaowo said ICCON was working towards institutionalising specialised training programmes in collaboration with industries, universities, research institutions, government agencies and professional bodies.
The proposed areas of training include chemical safety and security, good laboratory practice, quality management, hazardous waste management, process safety and sustainable chemistry.
He also called on universities to collaborate with the Institute in implementing graduate induction programmes to bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice.
Representing the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Director of Chemical Management Programme, Mr. Olaruwaju Fatai, commended ICCON for sustaining its MCPD programme.
He said lead exposure remained a significant public health concern, particularly because of its harmful effects on children and other vulnerable populations, requiring coordinated action by government institutions, professional bodies, industries and regulatory agencies.
Fatai reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with ICCON and other stakeholders to strengthen chemical safety, promote safer alternatives and ensure compliance with established standards and regulations.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director, Food and Drug Services, Dr Olufowobi-Yusuf Ademola, pledged the ministry’s continued support for the Institute.
She described ICCON’s professional development programmes as important platforms for chemists to acquire new knowledge and keep abreast of emerging trends and ethical standards in the profession.
“Over the years, the Institute has played a vital role in ensuring that chemical sciences and chemical practice contribute fully to national development, public health, industrial growth and environmental sustainability,” she said.
Kachollom also described the fellowship investiture as one of the highest honours the Institute could confer on its members, recognising professionals who had distinguished themselves through contributions to chemical sciences, professional conduct and dedicated service to society.
The two-day event featured professional development sessions, induction of new members and the investiture of distinguished fellows.
Akwaowo urged members to embrace unity, integrity and professional accountability, stressing that the future of chemistry in Nigeria depended on continuous learning, effective regulation and collective commitment to national development.
