Protection of Workers A Priority To FG- Hon. Nkeiruka
Maryam Aminu
All over the world today, protecting the safety, health and wellbeing of the working population remains an obligatory function of governments. In pursuit of this objective, the government of Nigeria has enshrined in its national law and regulations, adequate protection of the society, health and wellbeing of all persons in employment.
This is in cognizance of the fact that a safe and healthy workforce is vital for sustainable social and economic development.
The Federal Government is reviewing its Occupational Safety and Health Regulations as required by the National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 187 in order to effectively address identified workplace safety and health concerns in the world of work.
The Minister for State, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha stated this on Wednesday 4th October,2023 in Abuja at the start of a two-day workshop on review and validation of Nigeria Country Profile on Occupational Safety and Health
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha said the workshop was part of the government’s commitments, through the ministry, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to step in and develop a robust and comprehensive National Profile on Occupational Safety and Health.
She said: “The profile will stimulate effective management of workplace Safety and Health in Nigeria and enhance economic growth of the nation, in line with Priority Three of the Administration’s Development Agenda
The primary aim of this workshop is to create a comprehensive national profile that provides the framework for the strengthening of the National Occupational Safety and Health System, by identifying the institutional tools and activities that will facilitate effective assessment and review of the progress and impact of Occupational Safety and Health efforts in Nigeria.
“The primary aim of this workshop is to create a comprehensive national profile that provides the framework for the strengthening of the National Occupational Safety and Health System, by identifying the institutional tools and activities that will facilitate effective assessment and review of the progress and impact of Occupational Safety and Health efforts in Nigeria.”Said the Minister
The Country Director, Institutional Labour Organisation, Mrs.Vanessa Phala applauded the ministry of Labour and employment for the renewed consideration given to their organisation by associating them with different initiatives.
Phala noted that the tripartite constituents of the ILO adopted on June 10, 2022 during the 110th ILC an amendment making the”safe and healthy working environment”one of the fundamental principles and rights at work, with Convention C155(on occupational safety and health) and C187(on the promotional framework for OSH) which have become the fundamental conventions
She urged all to give the best of their contributions during the workshop so that the final document can reflect as much as possible the reality of the current OSH situation in Nigeria stating that the validated document with the recommendations that will emerge from the workshop will therefore help guide the development of Nigeria’s next national OSH program (2025-2029)
Speaking also, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has challenged government and other stakeholders to step up efforts at making the world of work safer and promoting the ideals and objectives of the Occupational Safety and Health framework.
He reiterated the importance of a national OSH profile, noting that the decent-work agenda which is at the heart of the global understanding of the criticality of the protection of the rights and privileges of workers from abuse and violation in the workplace and in the larger society, speaks to the need to ensure safer workplaces
He said: “It is in that same spirit that we call on all of us to continue raising our voices so that we can save our nation not just from injustices in the workplace but in the larger society. Without a fair and equitable nation, we cannot create effective frameworks to make the world of work safer and better.
“We therefore call on all national stakeholders to join us to continue to hold our government accountable because when there’s equity in Nigeria, there will be greater safety in the world of work.”
He noted that it is important to have a national OSH profile but more important is to ensure that we are committed to its use.
