Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the minister of state for labour and employment, has commended the Lagos State Government for its leadership in advancing occupational safety and health standards, describing the state’s efforts as a model for others across Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health (LASOSH) Conference in Lagos on Tuesday, Onyejeocha praised the Lagos State Safety Commission and the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their proactive approach to creating safer work environments.
“I must commend Lagos State for the vision it has demonstrated through the Lagos State Safety Commission,” the minister said.
“The Commission’s mission to ‘proactively make safety a lifestyle’ is not just a slogan; it is a call to action that reflects forward-thinking leadership.”
Themed “Occupational Safety and Health as a Catalyst for Nation Building,” this year’s conference, she noted, was timely in light of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms.
“A safe and healthy workforce is the bedrock of productivity,” Onyejeocha said. “When safety is prioritised, workers perform at their best, businesses remain competitive, and national productivity increases.”
Read also: Sanwo-Olu, BOI seal pact to strengthen workplace safety for Lagos MSMEs
The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening workplace safety in collaboration with states, employers, and other stakeholders. According to her, the ministry is aligning its programmes with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, economic growth, and worker welfare.
“Our goal is to ensure that safety is fully integrated into national efforts on job creation and employability,” she stated. “We are committed to supporting employers with practical regulations that protect workers while enabling enterprise to thrive.”
Onyejeocha also called for broader partnerships between the public and private sectors to promote a safety-first culture across all levels of employment. “The Government cannot do it alone,” she said. “Employers, trade unions, civil society, academia, and the media all have vital roles to play in cultivating a safety-first culture.”
She congratulated the Lagos State Government and the Safety Commission for their sustained commitment and pledged continued Federal Government support.
“We will continue to work with Lagos and other states to embed occupational safety and health into the foundation of national growth,” the minister added.
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