By Gloria Vincent

You’ve been recognized as a driving force behind safety reform in Nigeria’s marine operations. What first drew you to the field of occupational health and safety?

My journey began with a strong belief that no job should ever cost a life. Occupational health and safety is about more than compliance—it’s about protecting people. Everyone has the right to return home safe and healthy after work.

You’ve spent about 2 years at Cledd Nigeria Ltd. by this point. What were your early contributions?

I started as a Health and Safety Officer, focusing on risk assessments, PPE compliance, safety audits, and daily toolbox talks. These early efforts helped shift the safety culture and built trust with workers in high-risk environments.

What were some of the key changes you implemented after taking on a leadership role?

As Senior Manager of Occupational Health and Safety, I led initiatives that reduced incident reports by 40% over two years. This included emergency drills, chemical spill simulations, and hazard communication training. The goal was to instill a safety-first mindset—not just rules, but habits and awareness.

What made those interventions effective?

We focused on realistic, hands-on training. Workers were taught to respond to emergencies through practical simulations, not just theory. That kind of experience is what saves lives under pressure.

Contractor safety can be difficult to manage. How did you address that?

We improved contractor safety compliance from 65% to 95% by introducing vendor audits, standardized PPE training, and a single safety rulebook for all personnel contractors and staff alike. Everyone on site followed the same high standards.

You also helped prepare the company for ISO 14001 certification. What was your contribution?

I led the development of policies that aligned our safety and environmental practices with international standards. Achieving ISO 14001 wasn’t just a badge it was a statement that Nigerian companies can operate with global integrity and responsibility.

How has your NEBOSH certification supported this work?

Earning the NEBOSH International General Certificate gave me a global framework for approaching safety challenges. It equipped me with internationally recognized methods that I adapted to local realities. It strengthened both my technical knowledge and my strategic planning.

Why is your work important for Nigeria’s development?

Because safe workplaces fuel national progress. Industrial sectors like marine and oil are critical to our economy. When we protect our workers, we reduce downtime, improve productivity, and support sustainable growth. Safety is not just a company issue it’s a nation-building tool.

Have your strategies influenced other organizations?

Yes. Some of our practices have been adopted by other firms in the sector, and I’ve contributed to wider industry discussions. I believe safety leadership must go beyond the gates of one company to impact national standards.

What’s your message to industry leaders in high-risk sectors?

Safety is an investment, not a cost. The real expense lies in preventable accidents. Train your teams, enforce standards, and build a culture where every life matters.