FG promotes work safety in South East, beyond

The Federal Government of Nigeria, has made advocacy for safety in work places to drive productivity and economies of the south east and other states in Nigeria.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made the advocacy during Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in conjunction with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) enlightenment Forum for the South-East and South-South zones in Enugu, on Thursday.

Onyejeocha stated that there is need for a stronger workplace safety culture across Nigeria, describing the initiative as timely and particularly relevant to the two regions, given their heavy concentration of industrial and commercial activities.

“This programme is particularly relevant to our region, given the scale of industrial, manufacturing, construction, extractive, transport and informal-sector activities across states such as Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Bayelsa,” she said.

While noting that these sectors drive productivity and economic growth, Onyejeocha warned that they also pose serious occupational safety and health risks if not properly managed.

“The collaboration between the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA) under SWIP reflects the strength of social partnership in protecting Nigerian workers. By combining enlightenment, compliance support and recognition of best practices, this initiative promotes a culture where workplace safety is seen not as a cost, but as an investment in productivity, sustainability and human dignity,” she stated.

She described the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA), 2010 as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s labour protection framework, stressing that programmes such as SWIP help translate the law from policy into practical action.

“The Employees' Compensation Act (ECA), 2010 remains a cornerstone of our labour protection framework. It guarantees compensation for work-related injuries, diseases and fatalities, while encouraging employers to prioritise prevention, risk management and occupational health. Programmes such as SWIP help translate this law from policy into practical action,” she said.

The Minister congratulated organisations recognised for workplace safety compliance and urged others to emulate them.

“I am particularly encouraged that this session recognises organisations that have demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and compliance. To the award recipients, I congratulate you for setting positive examples within your industries and communities. I urge others to follow your lead,” she added.

Onyejeocha reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enforcing safety standards nationwide and aligned the effort with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“As Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, I reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to strengthening occupational safety and health systems nationwide through effective enforcement, stakeholder engagement and institutional collaboration. 

"This effort aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places the dignity, safety and productivity of Nigerian workers at the centre of national development,” she said.

Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the President of NECA, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, described SWIP as a strategic collaboration between NECA and NSITF aimed at promoting prevention, compliance and sustainable business practices.

“The SWIP initiative is a strategic collaboration between NECA and NSITF, designed not merely as a compliance mechanism, but as a practical engagement and learning platform. It seeks to deepen employers' understanding of their obligations under the law, promote a culture of prevention, and encourage the adoption of sound occupational safety and health practices that protect workers while strengthening business sustainability,” Okoye said.

The Enugu forum brought together government officials, employers’ organisations, organised labour, captains of industry and other stakeholders to promote compliance with the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010 and deepen a culture of workplace safety across the South-East and South-South regions.