Nigeria Holds Maiden Occupational Safety and Health Summit to Champion Workers’ Well-Being
Maryam Aminu
In a historic effort to prioritize workplace safety and health, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with support from International Labour Organisation, convened Nigeria’s first-ever Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Summit at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja. With the theme, “National Occupational Safety and Health Management System,” the summit brought together key stakeholders to foster collaboration, address workplace hazards, and strengthen safety standards nationwide.
Speaking passionately at the event, The Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha described the summit as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey to ensure safer and healthier workplaces.
She acknowledged the challenges in occupational safety, such as inadequate standards, weak enforcement, and underreported industrial accidents, while emphasizing the government’s commitment to reversing the trend.
“The well-being of our workforce is fundamental to our nation’s prosperity and growth,” she stated.
The summit featured several groundbreaking initiatives, including the unveiling of the Nigeria Country Profile on OSH 2024, the Construction and Allied Works (Safety) Regulation 2024, the Factories (Registration, etc., Fees) Amendment Regulation 2024, and the National Workplace Emergency Preparedness and Response Guide.
She expressed that the policies aim to bolster safety protocols across industries, ensure compliance with global standards, and protect workers from preventable hazards.
A poignant highlight of the keynote address was the call to prioritize mental health in the workplace, aligning with the theme of the 2024 World Mental Health Day, “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.”
Hon. Onyejeocha underscored the need for supportive work environments, noting that “mental health is integral to workplace productivity, purpose, and stability.”
Hon. Onyejeocha praised the ILO for its technical and financial support in developing policies and conventions that promote decent work and protect workers’ rights.
At the summit, stakeholders expressed optimism for a future where Nigerian workers return home safely each day.
The Minister reiterated the government’s resolve to foster a safety-first mindset across industries, stating, “Together, we can build a positive safety and health culture that ensures lasting improvements in our workplaces and drives national development.”
In his welcome address, Mr. Nyamali John, the Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary, highlighted the critical need to ensure the safety and health of Nigerian workers, emphasizing that safe working conditions are fundamental rights.
Mr. John urged participants to commit to a culture of prevention and collaboration, ensuring that occupational safety becomes a reality for every Nigerian worker.
This maiden OSH Summit not only sets the tone for Nigeria’s commitment to workplace safety but also establishes a foundation for continuous progress toward achieving the highest standards of occupational health and well-being.
