Empowering Nigeria’s Workforce: Onyejeocha’s Resolute Pursuit of Workplace Safety

Nnenna Agbai

December 1, 2023 etched a transformative chapter in driving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda into action. It marked the day when the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment rose boldly, igniting a nationwide initiative to fortify safety and health laws guarding Nigerian workers in their daily workplaces.

This wasn’t just a step but a resounding leap towards fostering a landscape where every worker thrives — a resolute crackdown on companies violating safety standard laws and regulations.

For far too long, this critical initiative lay dormant, shackling our workforce to silent suffering and, at times, tragic losses owing to inadequate safety measures. But now, the government’s proactive stride illuminates a commitment to champion the welfare and safety of Nigerian workers, casting a long-overdue spotlight on enforcing occupational safety laws to uplift our citizens.

During a pivotal inspection at Metal Manufacturing Nig. Ltd., Sagamu, Ogun State, distressing safety breaches surfaced. The absence of fundamental safety gear exposed workers to various hazards — toxic chemicals, deafening noise and suffocating dust. In response to this dangerous situation, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Hon. Labour and Employment, moved quickly and decisively, ordering the immediate closure of the offending company and sending a strong message to all other non-compliant entities: comply or face the consequences. This commendable action crystallised the Federal Government’s unyielding stance against compromising worker safety and emphatically proclaimed a zero-tolerance policy towards safety violations. No longer will compromised factory conditions find harbour across the country’s economic sectors.

The crux of Onyejeocha’s message is crystal clear — strict compliance with safety regulations isn’t optional; it’s an irrevocable responsibility owed to every worker in Nigeria.

In occupational health, the emphasis radiates around three pivotal objectives. It’s about nurturing the health and capacities of our workforce, crafting environments that breed positivity and productivity and fashioning work cultures that honour the dignity of every worker while enhancing a company’s standing. This approach, a linchpin for seamless operations, holds the potential to supercharge the productivity of both labour and capital.

Crucially, the government’s actions align seamlessly with the constitutional mandate provided in Article 17.3.c of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended). This article underlines the government’s solemn duty to safeguard all employees’ health, safety and welfare. Moreover, backed by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria Act and the Occupational, Health And Safety (OSH) Policy, this constitutional obligation binds the government to enforce and uphold workplace safety laws.

By swiftly intervening and shutting non-compliant companies, the minister unequivocally fulfills this vital obligation, ensuring that the laws of the land aren’t mere ink on paper but living, breathing shields for the benefit of every Nigerian worker and citizen alike.

In a broader global context, the 110th Session of the International Labour Conference in June 2022 ushered in pivotal amendments, elevating workplace safety and health as paramount. This global forum revised the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998), expressly enshrining “a safe and healthy working environment” as an indispensable right at work.

Furthermore, designating the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187), as fundamental conventions underscores a shared commitment among all ILO member states, including Nigeria, regardless of economic status, to champion and uphold these principles and rights.

However, stark realities persist. Workers across sectors grapple not only with minor mishaps but also life-threatening incidents, often resulting in fatalities or permanent disabilities. The negligence of employers exacerbates these tragedies, recalling haunting echoes of past disasters like the 2002 fire incident in a plastic factory in Ikorodu, Lagos State, where workers perished due to unforgivable neglect, locked in without escape routes.

Alarming statistics from sources like IOSH and the ILO paint a grim picture: 24 work-related fatalities per 100,000 employees annually in Nigeria, contributing to 2.78 million lives lost globally due to occupational illnesses, with a staggering 374 million non-fatal work-related injuries each year. The economic toll looms large, with approximately 3.94% of the GDP wasted due to workplace hazards, highlighting a persistent truth—these incidents persist due to preventable hazards grossly mismanaged by employers.

The United States Labour Department’s Bureau of Labour Statistics emphasises the extensive time individuals spend at work, particularly in developing countries dominated by the informal sector and low-paying jobs. In this reality, the clarion call for workplaces to prioritise safety and health resounds louder than ever—a crucial facet of their contribution to the global economy.

Despite existing laws safeguarding workers, enforcement and prosecution for negligence remain sporadic, perpetuating a vicious cycle of workplace hazards, coupled with a passive government stance towards non-compliant employers and a lack of compensation for injuries or fatalities.

Herein lies the crux of Onyejeocha’s resolve — to enforce safety regulations and hold non-compliant companies accountable. Her actions transcend immediate rectification; they aspire to overhaul the ethos surrounding workers’ welfare in Nigeria.

Yet challenges persist as some employers hide behind excuses about the economic challenges and neglect safety concerns, leaving workers defenceless and voiceless. This unsavoury practice of prioritising profits over human lives perpetuates an unhealthy and dependent workforce, burdening the government with providing social security.

However, the minister’s approach goes for the jugular—it targets negligent employers, rectifies immediate concerns, prevents the transfer of burdens onto the government, and nurtures a robust, sustainable workforce and society.

The Federal Government under President Tinubu has showcased unwavering resolve in tackling pivotal labour sector issues and implementing policies to enhance workers’ welfare, fair labour practices and productivity.

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder in this pursuit, Onyejeocha, with her proactive, hands-on approach, showcases exceptional dedication to realising Mr President’s Agenda in her domain—a stance deserving not only the labour unions’ support but the backing of the entire citizenry.

• Ms Agbai is an aide to the Minister of Labour and Employment