Federal Govt Moves To Improve Health And Safety In The Workplace

A good occupational safety and health (OSH)  system and the need for further action to reduce them can benefit workers, employers, and the Nigerian society as a whole, by reducing human suffering, improving working conditions, enhancing productivity and fostering economic development.

Article 3 of the ILO Convention No.187 promotional framework for occupational safety and health convention , 2006, stipulates that each member state shall promote a safe and healthy working environment by developing a National Policy for that purpose. 

In Nigeria the current OSH policy was revised in 2020 with a review period of three years which gives room for the country to consistently improve its profile. 

However, there’s  still a gap between the policy and the practice of OSH in Nigeria. Some of the factors that hinder the effective implementation of OSH standards and programmes in Nigeria include lack of political will and commitment from the government and other stakeholders to prioritise OSH as a national development issue and insufficient human and financial resources for OSH administration, inspection and training. 

Other challenges are, low level of awareness and knowledge of OSH, high prevalence of informal economy activities, which are often characterised by precarious working conditions, low wages, lack of social protection and representation among others. 

In a significant move towards enhancing workplace safety and health in Nigeria, the federal government has taken steps to develop a new national occupational safety and health profile by stakeholders review of the current policy. 

The initiative  aims to stimulate effective management of safety and health at work across the nation.

The effort is a collaborative  between the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the International Labour Organization (ILO) and  reflects the commitment of Nigeria’s leadership to protect the labour force and revitalise the economy for the improved well-being of its citizens at work. 

According to the minister of state for labour and employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, the aim of the current review is to  identify new tools for effective occupational safety and health management. 

She said that the move  requires a coordinated response whilst highlighting the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in the national occupational safety and health management system.