2024 AIHN Conference Addresses Occupational Health Risks in Nigeria

The Association of Industrial Hygienists of Nigeria (AIHN) recently held its 3rd Annual Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, bringing together industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the pressing issue of occupational health risks in Nigeria.

This year’s theme, “Addressing Occupational Health Risk in Nigeria: Strengthening the Role of Industrial Hygiene,” highlighted the urgent need for effective strategies to protect the health and safety of the nation’s workforce.
Over two days, participants took part in insightful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities focused on identifying challenges and developing actionable solutions in the field of industrial hygiene.

The conference featured Ms. Nicole Greeson, MS, CIH, as the keynote speaker, along with leading experts who shared valuable insights into the current state of occupational health in Nigeria and the crucial role of industrial hygienists.

There was also a panel discussion featuring panelists Dr. John Paul Ejembi (NNRA), Mr. Success C. Ikpe (NUPRC), Mr. Opakirite Braide (Total Energies), Mr. Abraham Okorodudu (Chevron Nigeria Limited), and Mr. James Adenuga (Dangote Industries Limited).

AIHN President Ifeyinwa Anya, CIH, expressed gratitude to all participants, stating that the conference reinforced the association’s commitment to ensuring workers’ safety.

In her opening remarks, Anya said: ‘’Our industrialization, while bringing economic growth, has also introduced complex worker health challenges that demand our immediate attention and expertise. The role of industrial hygienists has never been more crucial in safeguarding the health and safety of our workforce.

“The statistics are sobering; workplace-related illnesses and injuries continue to affect thousands of Nigerian workers annually, with many cases going unreported. As professionals dedicated to anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace health hazards, we bear the responsibility of changing this narrative.
“Our collective expertise will contribute to developing more effective strategies for workplace health protection. Through our OHTA 201 workshop and technical sessions, we aim to strengthen the capabilities of industrial hygienists across Nigeria, ensuring we understand and communicate global best practices. This gathering provides an unprecedented opportunity to forge partnerships between industry stakeholders, government agencies, and academic institutions. Only through such collaborative efforts can we create comprehensive solutions to our occupational health challenges.’’

Similarly, Gloria Ayodeji-Fapohunda CMT, CertIOSH, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), recognizes the efforts of past committees, sponsors, panelists, and stakeholders for uniting to tackle important occupational health issues.

“Over the next 2 days, we will engage in thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and capacity-building sessions. I encourage everyone here present and online to actively participate, share their experiences, and learn from others. You will also be earning valuable Continuing Education units (CEUs) accredited by The CPD Group, United Kingdom, from all the sessions that have been curated to offer valuable learning outcomes. Together, let us make this conference a huge success and continue to strengthen the role of industrial hygiene in addressing occupational health risks in Nigeria,’’ she said.

Ultimately, participants proposed recommendations to enhance occupational health regulations and their enforcement in Nigeria, ensuring they align with international standards while considering our unique local context.