Nigeria Hosts First Occupational Safety and Health Summit
The Nigerian government has launched its first-ever Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) summit, marking a significant step toward improving workplace safety and health standards across the country. Held in Abuja, the two-day event is themed “National Occupational Safety and Health Management System” and is bringing together key stakeholders to address challenges in OSH and promote a culture of safety in the workplace.
The keynote address was delivered by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who emphasized the importance of the summit in raising awareness about workplace hazards and encouraging best practices. She acknowledged the challenges Nigeria faces in OSH, including poor safety standards, lack of awareness, underreporting of industrial accidents, and weak enforcement of regulations. However, she assured attendees that the government is dedicated to changing the situation by fostering a safety-first mindset in industries.
Onyejeocha highlighted the role of the summit in developing a resilient safety culture, which will involve multiple stakeholders. She also addressed the growing need for mental health support in workplaces, linking mental health to productivity. She encouraged the creation of supportive work environments that prioritize employee well-being, referring to the recent World Mental Health Day and its relevance to workplace safety.
In addition to discussions, the summit featured exhibitions and technical sessions with presentations from OSH experts. Among the initiatives unveiled were the Nigeria Country Profile on OSH 2024, new regulations for construction safety, and a national emergency preparedness guide. These initiatives align with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) efforts to promote decent work and enhance workplace safety.
Mrs. Onyejeocha acknowledged the ILO’s support in improving OSH in Nigeria. She praised the organization for its technical and financial contributions, which have been vital in developing policies, laws, and regulations that ensure safer working environments. ILO Country Director, Ms. Vanessa Phala, also participated, presenting disturbing global statistics about workplace injuries and deaths. Phala reported that over 3 million workers die annually due to occupational hazards, and there are 395 million non-fatal work accidents worldwide, which translate to significant economic losses.
As part of the summit, Nigeria’s commitment to the ILO’s OSH agenda was recognized. The country ratified Convention 155 in 1994, marking the beginning of its systematic approach to occupational safety. This has led to significant improvements in working conditions across the country. Phala emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to reduce risks and improve safety in Nigerian workplaces.
During the summit, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, introduced the National Occupational Health and Safety Five-Year Strategic Plan (2024–2028), which aims to address work-related diseases and accidents. The plan seeks to enhance employee health and productivity, and Pate called for increased involvement of all stakeholders in advancing OSH efforts at both national and regional levels.
The summit is expected to lead to meaningful commitments from various organizations and stakeholders. It aims to encourage the adoption of innovative safety technologies and strategies to address emerging challenges in occupational safety and health, ensuring that the momentum for improving workplace conditions continues well into the future.
