- She emphasised the importance of mental health in creating a safe and healthy work environment
The Federal Government has acknowledged the significant challenges Nigeria faces in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), citing issues such as inadequate safety standards, limited training and awareness, unreported industrial accidents, occupational diseases, and weak legislation and policy enforcement.
Speaking at the opening of the maiden OSH summit in Abuja, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges by fostering a culture of safety and health in workplaces across the country.
She emphasised the importance of mental health in creating a safe and healthy work environment, urging organisations to prioritise mental well-being to enable both employers and employees to thrive.
The minister highlighted the activities lined up for the summit, including exhibitions, paper presentations, and discussions aimed at building an effective, sustainable, and inclusive National Occupational Safety and Health management system.
Onyejeocha stressed that mental health must remain a key focus, aligning her remarks with the theme of the 2024 World Mental Health Day, “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.”
She noted the critical link between mental health and work, advocating for a supportive environment to protect workers’ mental well-being.
The government aims to bring diverse stakeholders together to encourage the adoption of a safety-first mindset and to promote a resilient OSH culture in organisations and industries nationwide.
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