The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a five-year Strategic Plan of Action for National Occupational Health and Safety designed to protect the well-being of workers across various sectors. Introduced in Abuja, the initiative seeks to create safer workplaces, particularly as the nation’s Economy diversifies with a focus on industries such as Agriculture and mining. The plan will require ₦1.3 billion in Investment throughout the next five years. Prof. Muhammad Pate Ali, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, through Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, emphasised that this program arises from the government’s recognition of the importance of workers’ well-being in attaining sustainable progress amid increasing industrial growth.
Being a part of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Nigeria has endorsed several essential conventions that outline its dedication to ensuring safety in the workplace. Notably, Convention No.187 encourages creating a secure work environment, while Convention No. 190 protects against violence and harassment in the workplace. The strategic plan outlines the direction for occupational health and safety (OHS) in various industries, directing policies to avoid work-related diseases, injuries, and accidents. This plan reflects the government’s goal to enhance national Productivity by maintaining a consistently high level of worker health and encouraging a safer and healthier workplace for every employee nationwide.
Government, business, and stakeholder cooperation will secure needed funds.
Additionally, this initiative will expand access to OHS services, strengthening the support provided to the workforce. The initiative’s unveiling underscores a dedication to protecting employees while supporting economic advancement. It enhances routine health evaluations and monitoring across formal and informal job settings. These strategies are designed to mitigate workplace dangers and elevate the quality of the work environment by collecting essential information to inform occupational health and safety strategies. Cooperation among governmental bodies, businesses, and additional stakeholders will be vital for securing the funds needed for successful implementation.
Since creating the OHS Division in 1976, the Nigerian Ministry of Health, backed by multiple sectors, has developed an occupational health strategy. Progress in achieving these objectives has largely relied on a collaborative effort among medical, labour, environmental studies, and urban planning experts. By undertaking these initiatives, the ministry intends to set up OHS divisions in every state to tackle risks and dangers associated with occupational health, thus creating a safer and healthier work environment throughout the country.
International organisations have shown their support for the initiative.
Alongside government participation, global organisations have expressed their endorsement. Walter Molumbo, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative for Nigeria, commended the strategic initiative as a crucial component of the nation’s comprehensive health agenda. This plan tackles both urgent and enduring health threats by minimising risks from workplace factors such as noise and airborne matter, thereby improving the overall health situation for workers and enhancing Economic Stability on a national scale. The World Health Organization (WHO) has committed to enhancing workplace security, acknowledging that a healthy labour force strengthens households, enhances productivity, and drives economic development.
Furthermore, the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) recognises the potential influence of the proposed plan. According to Oluyinka Olayemi, the centre’s national coordinator in Nigeria, this strategy complements the country’s initiatives to tackle non-communicable diseases and Mental Health issues. She stressed the importance of preventive and responsive occupational health and Security procedures that protect workers’ physical and mental health, urging the government to launch annual initiatives to achieve these objectives. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) aligns with the government’s goals for protecting workers, stressing that protection encompasses more than just salary.
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Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, pointed out how crucial mental and physical well-being is, particularly for youth entering high-risk industries with insufficient training. He stressed that ensuring safe work environments must be a top priority to protect workers from incidents, calling for strong cooperation between Trade unions, businesses, and governmental bodies. Ajaero pointed out deficiencies in existing occupational health and safety measures, urging for improved training and safety protocols in the workplace. The NLC plans to implement a comprehensive strategy that engages all parties involved, prioritising vulnerable groups, particularly individuals in informal employment, who are more likely to encounter dangers due to restricted access to safety tools and resources.