NECA, IOSH sign MoU to stengthen safety, health practices in workplaces

By Esenvosa Izah

The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) to strengthen commitments toward OSH practices in Nigeria workplaces.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the signing of the MoU between the parties held virtually via zoom on Tuesday.

IOSH is the Chartered body and largest membership organisation for health and safety professionals.

Speaking, the Director-General, NECA, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said the partnership with IOSH would take the conversation around OSH to a higher level.

“The new focus of the International Labour Organisation of OSH as a core of fundamental convention, also makes this some level of obligation on us to be champions in the conversation that has to do with this subject matter.

“While we have done quite a bit, nationally, with relevant stakeholders, Ministry of Labour, partners, to drive and deepen the conversation on OSH, I think our partnership with IOSH will boldly take that conversation to another trajectory within the context of our engagement.

“We are very glad with how we started the conversation that led us to this point and we are also looking forward to a deepened engagement with our member companies, IOSH.

“This is so that we can fulfil our mandate as representatives of employers in Nigeria; also fulfilling our mandate in view of our expanding role in the West Africa and Africa regional centre as it were, “ Oyerinde said.

Also, the Director, Strategic and Commercial Development, IOSH, Ms Ruth Lake, said that IOSH’s collaboration with NECA formed an important part of its mission and new “Five-Year Strategy Activate 2028” inaugurated in 2023.

“The initiative is to drive action from everyone that can influence and prioritise OSH standards across the world.

“As well as our commitment to a better future for all by putting people at the heart of safety

“We look forward to working with NECA and its members to help create a safer, healthier, most sustainable world of work for the citizens of Nigeria, “ she said.

In her remarks, the Director-General, Federation of Construction Industries, Mrs Bunmi Adekoje, said that the partnership with IOSH would assist employers and their workers ensure certain safety procedures were implemented on construction sites to protect them.

“I am really delighted to be part of this special occasion; I represent construction employers of Nigeria.

“Health and safety is of paramount importance to the construction industry, especially when you read the news every now and then including building collapse.

“There is quite a lot of negative news concerning health and safety in construction in Nigeria.

“We look forward to working with IOSH to ensure that we institutionalise safety at the place of work, “ Adekoje said.

Also, an Entrepreneur and Moderator of the programme, Ms Busola Alofe, said that the MOU would serve as a frame work for collaboration between NECA and IOSH with a vision and agenda to achieve a safe and healthy world of work.

Alofe is the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer, The Bristlecone Experience Limited, a consulting firm.

“These two organisations have agreed to bring together great minds, and get real busy creating a safer, healthier and more secure world of work for all with emphasis here in Nigeria for these collaborative efforts.

“I am quite confident that we will have the way for several initiatives and programmes of impact on employees, communities, environment and Nigeria, “ she said.

(NAN)