Uche Cecil Izuora
Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL), operator of Kainji, Jebba, and Zungeru hydropower plants, has recently received the prestigious Afrisafe Merit Award for its outstanding commitment to safety excellence in the energy sector. The award was presented at the 2024 Africa Safety Congress in Livingston, Zambia.
The MESL shared the honor with other distinguished organizations like Kenyan Airways and Total Energies Marketing, Zambia. The Merit Award recognizes organizations demonstrating exceptional dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of employees, customers, and the environment.
“We’re thrilled to receive this award, underscoring our unrelenting commitment to safety,” said Dr. Prisca Ngozi Iwunze, Mainstream’s Head of Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment, while accepting the award on behalf of the Managing Director/CEO Engr. Lamu Audu, who was also honoured as the 2024 Afrisafe CEO of the Year; Energy Services.
“Our tireless efforts to maintain the highest safety standards have paid off, making us industry leaders,” Dr. Iwunze emphasized. “Congratulations to my colleagues for their outstanding safety culture and to Afrisafe for recognizing excellence.”
Engr. Lamu Audu attributed the awards to collective responsibility and commitment, stating, “These recognitions wouldn’t have been possible without our Board of Directors, Executive management, staff, and stakeholders.”
Some of MESL’s safety initiatives include the Monthly ‘Walk the Talk’, a well-articulated Quarterly Health Talk,Spot the hazard, 5S Methodology, and the popular Annual Safety Week celebrations.
The company’s efforts are reinforced by its certifications to internationally recognized standards which are: – ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System).
According to an Afrisafe official, “MESL’s certifications showcase their commitment to excellence in quality, environmental management, and occupational health and safety, serving as a shining example for the industry.”
Dr. Iwunze noted that the award will significantly impact the electricity industry, demonstrating Mainstream’s exceptional safety record, with over 7.5 million man-hours without Lost Time Injury (LTI). This achievement will challenge other operators to prioritize safety, reducing accidents, saving lives, assets, and equipment, and ultimately providing more energy to the national grid while minimizing outages and environmental harm.