Sanwo-Olu signs MoU with BOI on workplace safety
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to strengthen workplace safety practices among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in Lagos. Sanwo-Olu also inaugurated the Safety First Campaign and unveiled the first-ever Occupational Safety Cadre in the Lagos State public service. Speaking at […]
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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to strengthen workplace safety practices among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu also inaugurated the Safety First Campaign and unveiled the first-ever Occupational Safety Cadre in the Lagos State public service.
Speaking at the third Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Conference held in the state, with the theme, “Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) as a catalyst for nation Building,” Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting workplace safety, public health and environmental protection.
He described the new occupational safety cadre as a groundbreaking initiative and the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.
Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the role of technology in driving modern safety standards, just as he announced the deployment of drones for surveillance, body cameras and thermal detection tools to enhance monitoring, enforcement, and emergency response.
In his keynote address titled, “Occupational Safety and Health as the Catalyst of Sustainable Nation Building,” the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said there is overwhelming evidence that inadequate workplace safety continues to pose significant risks to workers globally
He cited studies that showed between 10 to 30 percent of industry workers suffer injuries, occupational diseases and health hazards on a yearly basis, which include physical accidents, exposure to harmful chemicals, long term respiratory complications amongst other issues.
According to him, the consequences of work-related accidents and illnesses are profound and result in lost workdays, reduced productivity, and rising healthcare costs.
He said while various African countries are ensuring a safer work environment, Nigeria must position itself as a regional leader in embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) -driven safety practices across all sectors, from high-risk industries to MSMEs.
“By integrating global standards, technology, and accountability, we can build workplaces that are safe, competitive, and resilient,” he said.