Occupational Safety: Minister Urges Action On Workplace Mental Health

The minister of state for labour and employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has called for urgent action to address workplace mental health.

Speaking during the opening of the maiden Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) summit in Abuja yesterday, the minister harped on the importance of mental health in creating a safe and healthy work environment.

According to her, a supportive work environment remains key to fostering mental health and creating an opportunity for both employers and employees to thrive.

The OSH summit, themed “National Occupational Safety and Health Management System,” aimed to address critical issues such as inadequate safety standards, limited awareness, and weak policy enforcement.

The minister noted that while Nigeria faces significant occupational safety and health challenges, including unreported industrial accidents and occupational diseases, the government remains committed to implementing necessary reforms and collaborating with key stakeholders to build a resilient safety culture across industries.

The summit also served as a platform to introduce key initiatives to improve workplace safety, including unveiling Nigeria’s Country Profile on OSH 2024, the Construction and Allied Works (Safety) Regulation 2024, and the National Workplace Emergency Preparedness and Response Guide.

According to Onyejeocha, these new regulations are expected to strengthen safety protocols and enhance collaboration among employers, workers and regulators.

She acknowledged the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for its role in supporting Nigeria’s efforts through technical and financial assistance, particularly in developing and implementing relevant conventions and policies that ensure safe and healthy work environments.

The minister, however, called for continuous collaboration to achieve the highest safety, health, and well-being standards for Nigerian workers, stressing that mental health must be integrated into broader occupational safety strategies.

In his remarks, Nyamali John, director overseeing the office of the permanent secretary, said, “Our vision is to create a Nigeria where every worker returns home safely at the end of each day, where occupational hazards are minimised, and where workplace wellness is integrated into the national consciousness.

Together, we can build a culture of prevention, protection, and preparedness that ensures the well-being of our workers”.