By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to set aside a specific budget line for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) initiatives in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), starting from the 2026 national budget.
This decision came after a motion raised by Rep. David Zakaria, who represents Idah Federal Constituency in Kogi State, was adopted during Tuesday’s plenary session. 
Zakaria expressed concern over the growing number of workplace accidents and health risks within public institutions, stressing that the absence of clear financial support for safety measures is a major contributing factor.
According to him, without proper funding and prioritisation, national safety standards and policies have not been effectively enforced, resulting in frequent injuries, fatalities, and widespread non-compliance in the public sector.
He reminded the House that on 7 June 2022, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation issued a circular instructing all MDAs to create OSH desks to improve compliance and strengthen the implementation of workplace safety policies.
Citing Section 17(3)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Zakaria stressed that the state is obligated to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all persons in employment.
“Nigeria has ratified key International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 155 and 187, which require member states to provide systematic frameworks and adequate resources for promoting workplace safety, health, and well-being.
“The current envelope budgeting system does not provide a specific line item for OSH, thereby limiting effective implementation and exposing workers to avoidable risks, injuries, and fatalities,” Zakaria said.
He warned that the failure to create a dedicated budget line undermines workforce productivity, discourages employee empowerment, and contradicts Nigeria’s international obligations to promote safe and decent work in line with ILO standards and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 8.
Following deliberation, the House resolved to urge the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to immediately provide a distinct budget line for occupational safety and health across all MDAs.
The House also mandated its Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations to liaise with the relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the implementation and oversight of the OSH budget line in collaboration with the Committee on Appropriation.
