By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
The Minister of State for Works , Barrister Muhammad Bello Goronyo has called for stronger workplace safety culture stressing that occupational health and safety must remain a national priority for sustainable development.
He noted the strength of critical stakeholders support driving the crusade.
Goronyo spoke while also stressing the need for collective efforts that reflects responsive action.
He also acknowledged the unwavering Minister landmark achievements being recorded by the President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda with an epoch making decoration as Fellow of OSHA.
Speaking at a national stakeholders’ workshop on Workplace Safety and Health held on 28th August 2025, at the Ministry’s Hall, the Minister according to a release from his office, emphasized that workplace safety is not merely a regulatory duty but a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of government, private sector, labor unions, professional bodies, and society at large.
“When safety measures and protocols are enforced, accidents reduce drastically, productivity improves, and the human development index records significant gains. Protecting human lives must be at the center of every workplace policy and practice,” Barr. Goronyo stated.
Goronyo who also acknowledged existing challenges such as weak enforcement, inadequate regulations, and low awareness, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to adapt global best practices to Nigeria’s realities. He commended the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) for its leadership in promoting international standards, while also applauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said “is already yielding results across all sectors.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s workforce as one of the nation’s greatest assets, Goronyo warned that the loss of lives and productivity due to unsafe work environments cannot be ignored. Research, he noted, shows that organizations prioritizing workplace safety enjoy higher employee morale, reduced injuries, and improved efficiency.
The workshop also featured goodwill messages from senior stakeholders:
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi (represented by Engr. Atule Isaac), stressed that workplace safety is especially critical in high-risk sectors such as construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing, as well as in the informal economy where enforcement is weak. He urged employers to treat safety as part of production costs while encouraging workers to adhere to guidelines.
The President of OSHAssociation UK, Nigeria Chapter, Mr. Aderemi (JP, FIMC, CMC, MCArb, FOSHA), represented by Dr. Dalhatu Mohammed, described health and safety as both a moral and economic responsibility, urging stakeholders to embrace prevention over cure and embed safety-first culture across workplaces.
Rear Admiral (Rtd.) BEE Ibe-Enwo, FOSHA, Chief Technical Officer, OSHA Nigeria, highlighted alarming statistics showing that fatalities from workplace accidents rose from 71 deaths in 1997–1999 to 238 deaths between 2014–2016, underscoring the urgency of sustained action.
In recognition of his exceptional leadership and advocacy, Barr. Goronyo was formally decorated as a Fellow of the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA). The prestigious honor reflects his outstanding commitment to advancing workplace safety, health standards, and the promotion of safer work environments in Nigeria.
Responding to the conferment, the Minister described the fellowship as a call to greater responsibility, pledging to deepen his efforts in protecting workers’ lives, promoting safer workplaces, and ensuring that safety becomes an integral part of national development.
