Labor Minister Demands Safe Workplaces for Nigerian workers
August 5, 2025.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe working conditions in all workplaces, particularly factories.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Dr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, emphasized this commitment during the inspections of two multinational food production factories in Agbara, Ogun State, and Ikeja, Lagos State, South Western Nigeria.
Dr. Onyejeocha stressed that safe work environments are crucial for boosting productivity, encompassing both physical safety and the mental well-being of employees.
She highlighted the Ministry’s proactive roles in worker’s welfare.
“We need to remind companies that the Ministry of Labour and Employment is not solely focused on conciliation; we are deeply invested in the welfare of workers and in creating safe workplaces where employees can thrive alongside company growth and where promotions are not unfairly hindered.” she stated.
Addressing the importance of mental health, the Minister urged companies to prioritize employee’s well-being.
Dr. Onyejeocha also issued a stern warning, emphasizing that the Nigerian Government will not tolerate breaches of safety regulations and practices.
She stated that the government would utilize all available sanctions, including penalties and the closure of non-compliant premises, to enforce compliance.
“Manufacturing companies will not be permitted to jeopardize the safety of our workers and continue operating. We will seal premises and apply sanctions where necessary,” she declared.
The Minister also commended the inspected factories for their efforts in promoting worker’s safety and ensuring women’s participation in the production process.
She concluded that the full inspection reports would be shared with the companies to facilitate necessary improvements.
On her part, the Director of Occupational Safety and Health Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Lauretta Adogu harped on the need for more sensitization to workers for a better compliance applauding Nestle and Cadbury for ensuring that both workers and employers are compliant to occupational safety and health of the workers.
Lauretta Adogu
“We need to create more awareness because there are some companies that are not aware of Occupational safety especially the informal sectors. So we’ll do more to get them aware and comply with work safety rules.” She explained.
The Health Safety and Environmental Manager of Cadbury, Mr. Bolaji Oyewo and Evelyn Dike of Nestle Plc promised to consolidate the government’s efforts in ensuring safe workplaces for Nigerian workers.
Some workers were not left out as they shared their experiences in their workplaces.
Cross section of the workers
“My name is Titus Ajayi and I’m happy to work with Nestle, I’ve been working here for years and their undivided attention to workers is equal to none.”
“I’m Comrade Olalekan. We’re being taken good care of in Nestle. It is the best place to work. They make work very easy and safe for the workers. Thank you Nestle.” They expressed.
Journalists during the inspection