The Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, Comrade Issa Aremu, has called for stronger protection of Nigerian workers against occupational hazards.
Speaking in Ilorin during the commemoration of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, Aremu, represented by the Director of the Trade Union Education Department, Mr Michael Raji, lamented the rising number of work-related fatalities caused by preventable accidents and diseases.
He urged collaborative action among government bodies, employers, and employees to tackle the issue effectively.
Citing the 2023 report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Aremu noted that approximately 2.3 million workers die each year worldwide due to work-related incidents—around 330,000 from fatal accidents and nearly 2 million from occupational diseases.
He emphasised the need for intensified awareness campaigns to promote health and safety in the workplace. According to him, the ILO has repeatedly stressed that most workplace deaths are preventable, especially through increased attention to disease prevention.
The MINILS DG also advocated for a strategic partnership between the Institute and the Occupational Health and Safety Department of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to strengthen workplace safety education.
“Decent work is not only about fair remuneration but also about ensuring a safe and healthy working environment,” he said.
In a related presentation, Mr. Joseph Ogar, Acting Head of the Social Protection Department at MINILS, highlighted the crucial role of workers in national development and the need to protect their health and well-being.
Speaking on the theme, “Digital Labour: Exploring the Impact of AI and Automation on Worker Safety and Well-being,” Ogar explained that the event aimed to foster knowledge exchange and equip workers with the tools needed to adapt safely to emerging digital technologies.
