Overview

This document is the National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It establishes a comprehensive framework for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions across all sectors of economic activity, including both formal and informal workplaces. The policy is grounded in the 1999 Constitution (Section 17.3c) and Nigeria's ratification of ILO Convention No. 155 in 1994. Its goal is to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) performance through participative protection of workers, including vulnerable groups, and harmonization with regional and international standards. Key objectives include creating a framework for improving working conditions, preventing work-related accidents and illnesses, and ensuring OSH services for all workers. The scope covers design, construction, use, and maintenance of workplaces, tools, machinery, chemical/biological agents, and work processes; inter-relationships between workers, equipment, and environment; protection of workers and the public; and OSH training and information. The policy outlines duties for statutory authorities, Federal Ministry of Health, employers (providing safe systems, PPE, training, health surveillance), workers (cooperation, reporting hazards), manufacturers, transporters, safety committees, and the media. Implementation strategies focus on standards enforcement, awareness campaigns, stakeholder collaboration, training, and research. Monitoring and evaluation involve biannual reviews by an OSH steering committee, with policy review every five years. It also aligns with existing laws like the Labour Act and Workmen's Compensation Act.

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