The Institute of Chartered Chemist of Nigeria (ICCON), has called on the Federal Government to regulate the influx of chemicals into Nigeria.
The Register and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ICCON, Mr Wilford Jwalshik made the call on Thursday in Jos.
Jwalshik spoke at the ongoing 20th Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) workshop, induction and investiture of its fellows.
The workshop had the theme “Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals: Environmental Protection and Public Health Enhancement”.
According to the CEO, regulating the influx of chemicals into the country would promote proper classification, protect and promote healthy environment.
“This is why ICCON has made it mandatory, that for anyone to be recognised as a chemist, such a person must have the license to practice.
“Regulating the influx or importation of chemicals into Nigeria will naturally address the issues around labelling and classification.
“As we speak, chemicals are being sold in the market, which should not be; so government should be proactive in regulating that activities.
“We must set aside places where you sell chemicals and regulate the chemicals that are imported into the country,”he said.
Jwalshik said that conference, an annual event, aimed at addressing some of the challenges facing the labelling and classification of the chemicals in the country.
Declaring the workshop open, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, reiterated the critical role of chemists to the development of the society.
Represented by a Director in the ministry, Salako, Dr Adeola Yusuf also said that labelling plays a vital role in chemical identification and management.
“Chemists are very important in the pharmaceuticals, building, agriculture, food processing and other critical sectors.
“Chemistry cuts over all facet of life; so chemical management is a way to go.
“For you to have effective chemical management, labeling must be very effective so that you won’t mix up your chemicals and esnure proper identification,” he said.
NAN
