The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has commended the Lagos State Government for its sustained efforts in promoting workplace safety, employee welfare, and adherence to labour standards across the state. She described Lagos as a model for other states in creating a safe, productive, and equitable work environment.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, Onyejeocha praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for investing heavily in occupational health and safety measures. She noted that such initiatives have significantly reduced workplace accidents and improved productivity in both public and private sectors.
The minister emphasized that ensuring safety at workplaces was not only a legal requirement but also a moral obligation of employers and government institutions. According to her, Lagos has demonstrated exceptional commitment to this cause through the establishment of safety commissions, regular staff training, and compliance monitoring systems that align with international labour standards.
Onyejeocha further highlighted the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments in achieving the objectives of the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory. She said the ministry would continue to partner with Lagos to promote decent work, fair remuneration, and the protection of workers’ rights across industries.
In his response, the Lagos State Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Afolabi Ayantayo, reiterated the government’s resolve to maintain high standards of workplace safety. He stated that the state was continuously engaging employers and labour unions to ensure that safety policies were properly implemented and that workers operate in environments that prioritize their health and well-being.
Ayantayo also disclosed that Lagos had recently intensified inspections of factories and construction sites to enforce compliance with occupational safety regulations. He said the government’s focus is to prevent avoidable workplace hazards, strengthen employee-employer relationships, and build a culture of safety awareness across all sectors.
The visit ended with a renewed commitment between the Federal Ministry of Labour and Lagos State to deepen collaboration on policy implementation, training, and enforcement of labour laws, with the shared goal of making workplaces safer and more productive nationwide.
