FG launches 5-year occupational health, safety strategic plan

The Federal Government has launched five-year National Occupational Health and Safety Strategic Plan of Action to protect the health of Nigerian workers.

The plan was launched in Abuja by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, Pate said that the plan was developed in recognition of the need to protect the health of workers and maintain a state of sustainable development in the face of increased industrialisation.

According to him, because Nigeria is a member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), it complies with the ratification of conventions, treaties and policies related to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).

“For instance, Nigeria is the 29th country to ratify the Convention No.187 promoting safe and healthy working environment and the 22nd to ratify the ILO Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work (June, 2019).

“These policies encapsulate the need to ensure workers are protected against accidents at workplaces.”

He added that the ministry recognises its role in the implementation of the ILO policies and was committed to providing health sector intervention.

“The National Occupational Health and Safety Strategic Plan (2024–2028) document is to give strategic direction to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other stakeholders.

“It will improve national productivity through a consistently high level of health among workers in all occupations, by promoting a healthy environment for the Nigerian workforce that is safe to live and work in.

“It will also ensure access to Occupational Health and Safety services to every working individual within Nigeria.”

Pate added that the plan would guide how the Nigerian health sector, alongside its stakeholders,  respond to and manage work-related diseases, injuries, and accidents to improve the health, well-being, and productivity of employees.

Ms Oluyinka Olayemi, the National Coordinator of Africa Center for Disease Control in Nigeria, said that OHS was a crucial component within the Non-Communicable Diseases and mental health framework.

She added that the plan would provide a strong foundation for the needed OHS interventions.

“By establishing robust systems and tools, the country will be better equipped to prevent, protect, and respond to occupational health challenges, ensuring healthier lives for all, and contributing to comprehensive health coverage.”

The OHS Division of the ministry is to carry out health risk assessment and surveillance at both formal and informal sectors in a bid to determine workers’ health, identify hazards and evaluate the work environment of workplaces.