NEC appoints Joe Panga as new head of NISIT

Handover takeover ceremony of the Office of Director General for NISIT between incoming Joe Panga and outgoing Victor Gabi, witnessed by First Secretary of the Minister Newman Nipson (Image Supplied: NISIT)

The National Executive Council (NEC) has appointed Joe Panga as the new Director General of the National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology (NISIT) for a four-year term, starting January 28, 2026.

Minister for Commerce and Industry, Win Daki, welcomed the appointment, saying NISIT plays a key role in ensuring products entering and sold in Papua New Guinea are safe and meet required standards.

“The NEC has confidence that Joe Panga can lead the reforms needed to strengthen NISIT,” Minister Daki said.

He said the Government has confidence that Mr Panga will strengthen NISIT’s regulatory and technical work, and improve services to industry and consumers.

Mr Panga thanked the NEC and the Government for the appointment and said his focus will be on protecting consumers, supporting fair trade, and helping local industries grow.

“NISIT’s job is not only about enforcing rules. It is about protecting our people, supporting fair trade, and helping local industries grow. Over the next four years, I will focus on stronger enforcement, better technical services, modern systems, and building a capable workforce,” he said.

The Government believes Mr Panga’s leadership will help position NISIT as a strong national institution that ensures quality and safety of goods and services across the country.