… As SOEPHON tasks NASS to pass safety Bill

By Chioma Obinna

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal government’s commitment to expanding occupational health as a cornerstone of national economic development.

Speaking in Lagos at the 2024 Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria, SOEPHON, the President emphasised that occupational health is not just a workplace concern but a critical element for national economic growth, as outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Tinubu who was represented by the South West Zonal Director of Environment, Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs Olabimpe Adenaike  said: “Occupational health is more than just a workplace concern; it is a cornerstone for national economic growth and social stability. It ensures that workers—who are the backbone of our economy—remain healthy, productive, and motivated.”

At the event themed  “Growing Occupational Health: Leadership, Advocacy, and Training”, the President said the current administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” aligns with SDG 8 by focusing on enhancing worker well-being, promoting decent working conditions, and fostering economic growth through safe and productive work environments.

Tinubu who said the government was committed to reducing workplace injuries and illnesses while enhancing job satisfaction outlined a comprehensive approach to growing occupational health, which requires a three-legged approach: leadership, advocacy, and training.

He described leadership as crucial in advancing occupational health policies.

 “As a nation, we prioritise occupational health by establishing a regulatory framework that enforces workplace health and safety standards. The government is committed to strengthening institutions such as the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Labour and Employment to provide oversight and guidance.

Stating that advocacy plays a vital role in bridging the gap between policy and practice, he said: “We need to raise awareness about the importance of occupational health, the risks associated with poor working conditions, and the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers.”

He said additionally, efforts are being made to integrate mental health policies into workplace safety practices, in order to address issues like stress and burnout that often affect workers.

On training, he said it is the foundation for effective occupational health implementation, adding that the government is focusing on vocational and technical training programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda to create a workforce that is both skilled and safe.

Further, he underscored the connection between occupational health and economic development. “Healthy workers are more productive, innovative, and capable of contributing meaningfully to our economy. Prioritising occupational health will reduce absenteeism, enhance efficiency, and attract foreign investment by demonstrating our commitment to global labour standards.”

The President urged all stakeholders, including government, industry leaders, and academics, to collaborate on creating workplaces where health and safety are non-negotiable.

He charged participants to be committed to creating workplaces where health and safety are non-negotiable to build a nation where hope is truly renewed through the dignity of work, assurance of safety, and the promise of growth.

On his part, the President of SOEHPON, Dr. Musa Shaibu called for the expansion of occupational health and safety practices across Nigeria, urging stakeholders to increase their efforts in protecting workers in various sectors.

Shaibu explained that while occupational health practices have made strides in the oil and gas sector, more needs to be done to extend these efforts to other industries, including construction, aviation, agriculture, and the informal sector.

“We’ve made progress, particularly in oil and gas, but it’s time to push further. We want to grow occupational health both horizontally and vertically. Horizontally, we aim to extend these practices to sectors like construction, aviation, and agriculture. Vertically, we want to expand the scope of services to include more businesses and organisations.”

Shaibu emphasised the significant gap in the informal sector, where over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s workforce is employed but remains largely unprotected by occupational health and safety measures. He pointed out the dangers workers face, especially in mechanical workshops, where injuries are common.

“If you visit mechanical workshops, you’ll see workers with amputated fingers and other life-changing disabilities. These workers are not covered by any form of occupational health and safety services. We need to change that and ensure all Nigerians are protected.”

Shaibu outlined the key strategy for achieving these goals as include a strong emphasis on advocacy and raising awareness. The plan includes targeting industry leaders and convincing them of the business benefits of investing in occupational health.

 “We need to engage the leadership of industries such as bakeries and convince them that investing in occupational health and safety will improve their bottom line. By reducing lost time, preventing litigation, and boosting their image, businesses will be more profitable.”

Shaibu stressed that not all occupational health measures require large capital investments.

“Some interventions are simply about providing information and training, which doesn’t require much funding. We can start with the basics, empowering businesses with the knowledge they need to implement safer practices.”

He called on the National Assembly to pass the long-pending Occupational Health and Safety Bill, which, he said, has been delayed for over a decade. 

“Although the bill has passed through two readings in parliament, it has yet to be signed into law by the president. The bill has been on the front burner for over 10 years. It has passed first and second readings, but we’re still waiting for presidential assent. Unfortunately, I cannot provide an answer as to why it has not been signed into law yet.”

Further, he expressed cautious optimism that the president’s attendance could signal possible movement on the issue. “We’re very happy that the president sent a representative to our event. It shows that our issue is being taken seriously, and we hope it helps push the Occupational Health and Safety Bill towards becoming law,” he added.

He said the Bill if passed into law would establish a statutory framework for enforcing occupational health and safety practices across the country.

“Currently, we have policies here and there, but they are not statutory. It’s only when the bill becomes an act of parliament that it will be enforceable by all stakeholders,” he said.

The bill is designed to address a wide range of issues, including setting guidelines for companies based on the number of employees and the nature of their work, as well as establishing age limits for specific jobs. Once the bill becomes law, we can derive proper guidelines and enforce them,” he explained.

On the benefits, he continued: “The bill will make occupational health and safety a priority in all workplaces. It will ensure that workers’ health and safety are safeguarded and prioritized,” he noted.

He emphasised that the bill would not only improve worker morale and productivity but also have a positive impact on business profitability.

 “When workers know their health and safety are a priority, they’ll be happier and more productive. This will translate into better outcomes for businesses and the economy as a whole,” Shaibu added.

He reaffirmed SOEHPON’s commitment to advancing occupational health and safety in Nigeria. “We’re working to ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of the sector they work in, have access to occupational health and safety protections. With the right framework, education, and advocacy, we can make significant strides,” he said.