FG Launches N1. 34bn strategic plan to improve occupational health safety environment

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

The Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate in Abuja launched the N1.34 billion National Occupational Health and Safety Strategic Plan (2024-2028) to improve and promote a healthy and productive environment that is safe for health workers to live and work in.

Prof. Pate explained that the strategic plan is a proactive measure to guide the Nigerian health sector and other stakeholders on how to achieve a healthy workforce, for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, and the International Labour Organization , ILO.

The strategic plan would also guide on how to manage work-related diseases, injuries, and accidents to improve the health, well-being, and productivity of employees.

” This strategic plan document addresses significant challenges and strategic objectives through activities and instruments that align with the Health sector strategic blueprint , he said.

To achieve effective implementation of the strategic plan on occupational health and safety, Prof. Pate, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom expressed the need for government at all levels, partners, donors, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to use Judiciously the N1.34 billion fund to achieve the aims of the strategic plan in the next five years.

Speaking affirmatively, the Permanent Secretary Kachollom Daju represented by Dr. Bako Aiyegbusi Director Nutrition Department of the Ministry, stated that the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare will do it’s best to make sure that the health of workers is highly prioritized as a National Occupational Health and Safety culture-where Government’s, employers and workers actively participate in securing a safe and healthy working environment.

This safety culture, according to the Permanent Secretary, would be achieved through a system of defined rights, responsibilities, and duties and, where the highest priority is accorded to the principle of prevention.

The World Health Organization, WHO, Country representative, Dr. Walter Molumbo reiterated WHO’s commitment to implementing the Five-Year Strategic Plan.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, represented by Comrade Ismail Bello advocated for a structural approach to addressing safety and preventive measures to hazards in workplace environments in the country, with a call for synergy among employer, labour and Government.