The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, has noted that the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration places high priority on human capital development, sustainable economic growth, and dignity of labour—values that firmly position workplace safety as a pillar of national development.
The Minister made this known while delivering the keynote address at the 15th International Safety Conference of the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHAssociation), held recently at the Ministry of Works Conference Hall, Abuja.
Speaking on the conference theme, “From Tragedy to Transformation: Learning from the Cost of Violating Safety Rules,” Goronyo described the topic as timely and in alignment with the President Renewed Hope Agenda.
While reaffirming the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening health, safety, and environmental compliance, he noted that workplace safety is not merely regulatory requirement but catalyst for productivity, efficiency, and economic revitalization.
The Minister warned that the consequences of neglecting safety—including loss of lives, injuries, financial waste, and disruptions to economic activities—underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms, particularly in high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas.
Goronyo reiterated the readiness of the Ministry, under the leadership of the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, to strengthen safety policies, enforce compliance, and ensure strict adherence to global best practices in health and safety management among contractors and project stakeholders.
He outlined key priority actions required to improve workplace safety nationwide, including: Continuous training and certification to enhance technical capacity. Regular and transparent safety audits with zero tolerance for violations
Strict enforcement of safety regulations at all operational levels. Integration of health and safety modules into skills- acquisition programmes. Expanded sensitisation campaigns, especially in high-risk and vulnerable sectors
The Minister commended OSHAssociation for its impactful contributions to safety development and urged participants to apply insights from the conference toward building a safer, healthier, and more productive nation.
According to the statement released by his aide, the Minister encouraged all participants to transform the lessons from the conference into concrete actions that protect lives, enhance productivity, and support national development.
In conclusion, the Minister of State for Works reaffirmed that building a safer Nigeria requires collective responsibility from government, private organisations, safety professionals, workers, and civil society.
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to leading safety reforms, enforcing compliance, and championing global best practices in occupational safety and health.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan; the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, ably represented by Chief E.O. Wole Iroaye, Special Adviser on Project Monitoring (SE/SW Division).
Also, HRH Dr. Amb. Olusegun Aderemi, FOSHA, Country President (Nigeria Chapter); Dr. Dalhatu Mohammed Ahmed, Chairman, Council of Fellows (Nigeria Chapter); Rear Admiral B.E.E. Ibe-Enwo (Rtd), FOSHA, Chief Technical Adviser (Nigeria Chapter); and many other distinguished stakeholders.
