Categories: Featured News, Safety
Tags: Nigeria

Nigeria to see improved workplace safety and health standards through new partnership

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In an effort to improve health and safety standards in Nigeria, the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) have joined forces. The two organisations have signed an agreement to promote health and safety and support businesses, with a focus on corporate governance and occupational safety and health (OSH).

NECA and IOSH aim to raise awareness of the value of OSH across Nigeria’s private, public, and informal sectors, highlighting the International Labour Organization’s adoption of a safe and healthy work environment as a fundamental principle and right at work. They also plan to clarify employer and employee rights and compliance obligations.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed on Tuesday, May 2, is expected to lead to a reduction in workplace deaths and injuries and work-related ill health. According to estimates, there are 24 work-related fatalities per 100,000 employees every year in Nigeria, making it one of the countries with the highest rates in the world.

NECA and IOSH will use OSH advocacy, advisory services, training, and other interventions to improve the quality of life and protection of livelihoods by creating safer workplaces in Nigeria. The collaboration will include communication, engagement, and advocacy efforts with private sector organisations, public sector leaders, and workers in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the three tiers of government.

The partnership between NECA and IOSH marks an important milestone since the launch of IOSH’s West Africa Division in 2020 and the work they have been doing in the region to help improve the safety, health, and wellbeing of workers. The collaborative efforts will build local OSH expertise to deliver against the needs of the country and create long-term sustainable environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact in Nigeria.

Wale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director General of NECA, which represents private sector employers in Nigeria, said: “As Director General of NECA and member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Board, representing employers, I see our collaboration with IOSH as an important step to helping our members implement globally-recognised occupational safety and health (OSH) standards to protect workers.

“I also believe that by improving OSH standards, Nigerian businesses can become more productive and sustainable, find new export markets and also attract increased direct foreign investment.”

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