Editor
The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has launched the National Occupational Health and Safety Strategic Plan (2024-2028) aimed at fostering a healthy, safe, and productive working environment across Nigeria.
The launch took place at the Ministry’s conference room in Abuja, underscoring its importance to national productivity.
Prof. Pate highlighted that this strategic plan is an intentional effort to provide a comprehensive framework for the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its stakeholders.
He stressed that it will serve as a blueprint for addressing work-related diseases, injuries, and accidents, ultimately enhancing the well-being and efficiency of the workforce.
“This strategic document tackles significant challenges through defined objectives and actions. It aligns with the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint and key international targets like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and WHO,” Prof. Pate stated.
Prof. Pate also noted that the need for this strategic plan is even more pressing as the Federal Government shifts focus towards non-oil sectors, such as solid minerals and agriculture, which pose increased occupational hazards for workers.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, mni, Prof. Pate emphasized that the success of the plan hinges on the collaboration of various stakeholders, including government bodies, partners, donors, NGOs, civil society organizations, and philanthropists, to mobilize the estimated N1.34 billion required for the plan’s implementation over the next five years.
The Permanent Secretary, Kachollom Daju, mni, represented by Dr. Bako Aiyegbusi, Director of the Nutrition Department, affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to prioritizing worker health as part of a national culture of occupational health and safety.
She emphasized that this culture relies on the active participation of the government, employers, and employees in fostering a safe and healthy work environment through clearly defined rights, responsibilities, and preventive measures.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Walter Molumbo, WHO Country Representative, commended the Ministry’s initiative and pledged WHO’s support for the successful implementation of the plan.
Comrade Ismail Bello, representing NLC President Comrade Ajaero, called for a structured approach to workplace safety and preventive measures. He urged collaboration among employers, labor organizations, and the government to create a safer working environment across the country.
