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Occupational Health, Safety Must Remain National Priority, Says Goronyo

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq. has insisted that occupational health and safety must remain a national priority in order to guarantee sustainable development.

 At a national stakeholders’ workshop on Workplace Safety and Health over the weekend in Abuja, Goronyo reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening workplace safety standards in Nigeria.

The minister emphasised that workplace safety is not merely a regulatory duty but a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of the government, private sector, labour unions, professional bodies, and society at large.

"When safety measures and protocols are enforced, accidents reduce drastically, productivity improves, and human development index records significant gains. Protecting human lives must be at the center of every workplace policy and practice," he added. 

Goronyo acknowledged existing challenges such as weak enforcement, inadequate regulations, and low awareness, but called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to adapt global best practices to Nigeria’s realities. 

He commended the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) for its leadership in promoting international standards, while also applauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is  already yielding results across all sectors.

Highlighting Nigeria’s workforce as one of the nation’s greatest assets, Goronyo warned that loss of lives and productivity due to unsafe work environment cannot be ignored.
 
He disclosed that research showed that organisations prioritising workplace safety enjoy higher employee morale, reduced injuries, and improved efficiency.

The workshop also featured goodwill messages from stakeholders. 

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi stressed that workplace safety is critical in high-risk sectors such as construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing, as well as in the informal economy where enforcement is weak.

Adebiyi, who was represented by the Director of Central Workshop and Equipment, Engr. Atule Isaac urged employers to treat safety as part of production costs while encouraging workers to adhere strictly to safety guidelines. 

He reaffirmed that the ministry remains committed to ensuring that workplace safety is upheld across all its operations and projects.

The President of OSHA UK, Nigeria Chapter, Mr. Aderemi described health and safety as both a moral and economic responsibility.

Represented by the Chairman, Council of Fellowship OSHA, Dr. Dalhatu Mohammed, he enjoined stakeholders to embrace prevention over cure, embed a safety-first culture across workplaces, just as he reiterated the association's guiding principles.

Chief Technical Officer, OSHA Nigeria, Rear Admiral (Rtd.) BEE Ibe-Enwo highlighted alarming statistics showing that fatalities from workplace accidents rose from 71 deaths in 1997–1999 to 238 deaths between 2014–2016, underscoring the urgency of sustained action.

In recognition of his exceptional leadership and advocacy, Barr. Goronyo was formally decorated as a Fellow of OSHA. 

The prestigious honor reflected his outstanding commitment to advancing workplace safety, health standards, and the promotion of safer work environments in Nigeria.

Responding to the conferment, the minister described the fellowship as a call to greater responsibility, pledging to deepen his efforts in protecting workers’ lives, promoting safer workplaces, and ensuring that safety becomes an integral part of national development.

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