Minister Assures Nigerian Workers Of Safety At Work Place

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, has affirmed that there are better days ahead for Nigerian workers as the Federal Government is committed to guaranteeing a cleaner, safer and healthier work environment through factory inspection.

The minister stated this recently during the official commissioning of the corporate office of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) in Lagos.

“This administration aims at zero-tolerance on workplace accidents, injuries and fatalities, and is determined to collaborate with all social partners and other stakeholders to guarantee a cleaner, safer and healthier work environment to all Nigerian workers, the minister assured.

Chief Wogu added that the extension of social security protection to all Nigerian workers has gone beyond speech-making but has become a reality barely three weeks after inauguration of the reconstituted board of the Fund.

“It is therefore instructive to note that the extension of social protection floor coverage to Nigerian workers has gone beyond the level of policy rhetoric to implementation and performance space.

"Our commitment to extend social protection coverage to all Nigerian workers is based on the International Labour Organization (ILO) 1944 Philadelphia Declaration,” he explained.

To flag off the employee compensation scheme, Chief Wogu presented a cheque of N557, 800 to Cappa and D’Alberto Plc as health care support to injured employees of the company. The cheque was received on behalf of the company by Mrs. Omolara Siwolu, the Insurance Manager of Cappa and D’Alberto.  

In her speech the Chairperson of NSITF, Dr.Ngozi Olejeme, affirmed that the Employee Compensation Scheme was carefully planned to ensure that the welfare of Nigerian workers wais given top priority.

“This scheme is a silent revolution that was carefully thought out and executed by the Federal Government in order to ensure that the welfare of Nigerian workers is given top priority in the scheme of things,” she stated. 

Dr. Olejeme pledged the firm support of the NSITF board to the vision of President Goodluck Jonathan for Nigerian workers, while appreciating the Minister of Labour and Productivity for his assistance, guidance and purposeful leadership which he is providing in the ministry.