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Reps Push for Overhaul of Workplace Safety Laws

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9 months ago

December 11, 2025

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…as Speaker Abbas warns millions of Nigerian workers remain at risk

By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has called for the urgent need for the nation to modernise its occupational safety laws to protect millions of workers who face preventable risks daily in factories, construction sites, farms, hospitals, and other workplaces.

Speaker Abbas stated this at a public hearing on a bill for an act to Repeal the Factories Act, CAP F1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, and to Enact the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2025, organised by the House Committees on Safety Standards and Regulation and Labour, Employment and Productivity.

Represented by the Chairman Committee on Justice, Rep. Olumide Osoba, he cautioned that the workforce in Nigeria continues to suffer injuries, illnesses and deaths that could have been avoided if stronger regulations and enforcement mechanisms were in place.

“The true strength of any nation lies not only in its natural resources, but in the safety, security, and health of the people, particularly those who labour daily to sustain the economy.

“The Occupational Health and Safety Bill is therefore more than a legislation; it is a moral imperative, an economic necessity, and a national duty. It embodies our broader parliamentary mandate to protect citizens, promote sustainable development, and build a modern, productive, and globally competitive workforce for Nigeria.
“Across our industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, construction, oil and gas, healthcare, transport, mining, and the informal sector, workers face hazards that too often result in injury, illness, and even loss of life. Many of these tragedies are preventable. They persist due to outdated regulations, weak enforcement, inadequate institutional frameworks, and the absence of a unified national safety architecture.,” he said.

The Speaker noted that unsafe scaffolding, collapsing structures, exposure to harmful chemicals, toxic gases, offshore operations, and poorly maintained machinery remain common in sectors that drive the economy, particularly construction, manufacturing, agriculture and oil and gas.

“This Bill seeks to close those gaps. It establishes a modern, harmonised, and enforceable framework aligned with international best practices and the standards of the International Labour Organization.

“The urgency of this Bill is evident when we consider the fact that these hazards are mostly prevalent in the sectors that drive our economy. In construction, unsafe scaffolding and collapsing structures have left families devastated. In manufacturing, exposure to hazardous chemicals and poor training continue to endanger lives and undermine productivity. In oil and gas, the backbone of our economy, risks from flammable substances, toxic gases, and offshore operations demand preparedness and accountability that only clear legal mandates can ensure. Even in agriculture, where millions of Nigerians earn their livelihood, workers face pesticide exposure, machinery accidents, and unsafe conditions that have long been neglected”, he stated.

Abbas added that the proposed law gives renewed attention to workers in the informal sector, healthcare workers, transport operators, and artisans who, despite forming the bulk of the country’s workforce, are among the least protected.

“In manufacturing, exposure to hazardous chemicals and poor training continue to endanger lives and undermine productivity. In oil and gas, the backbone of our economy, risks from flammable substances, toxic gases, and offshore operations demand preparedness and accountability that only clear legal mandates can ensure. Even in agriculture, where millions of Nigerians earn their livelihood, workers face pesticide exposure, machinery accidents, and unsafe conditions that have long been neglected”, Abbas added.

The Chairman House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, Rep. David Zacharias, explained that the proposed bill is a historic milestone for Nigeria, and that the country is finally taking decisive steps toward modernising its outdated workplace safety laws.

The legislation he said is a transformative moment for workplace safety after decades of relying on laws that no longer reflect the realities of Nigeria’s evolving work environment.

“This is not just a legislative formality; it is a historic milestone for Nigeria. After years of persistent advocacy from safety professionals, organised labour, industry leaders and concerned citizens, the Occupational Safety and Health Bill now stands before the public for consideration,” he said.

Rep.Zacharias commended the Committees on Safety Standards and Regulations and Labour, Employment and Productivity, as well as the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who sponsored the Bill. He said their collective commitment helped bring the legislation to this critical stage.

The Bill seeks to repeal the obsolete Factories Act of 2004 and replace it with a comprehensive, science-based, enforceable framework aligned with international best practices and relevant International Labour Organisation conventions.

Zacharias said millions of Nigerian workers continue to face daily hazards—chemical exposure, unsafe machinery, building collapses, infectious diseases, transportation-related incidents and ergonomic strain—often without adequate protection.

He noted that the Bill responds to these challenges by strengthening preventive measures, clarifying employer obligations and extending protections to vulnerable groups, especially those in the informal sector.

He emphasised that the impact of the Bill cuts across every major segment of the economy.

“In manufacturing, clearer standards for hazard control and emergency preparedness will reduce injuries and downtime.

“In construction, where accident rates remain high, provisions for safe scaffolding, fall prevention and proper supervision will save lives. In oil and gas, the Bill strengthens oversight and emergency procedures,” he said.

He added that the agricultural sector where millions of Nigerians work will benefit from safer pesticide handling and better training on machinery.

The Bill also introduces stronger biosafety measures and infection control for healthcare workers who are regularly exposed to risks.

For the first time, traders, drivers, mechanics, artisans and others in the informal economy would be covered under a unified national framework.

Zacharias said the Bill also tackles Nigeria’s longstanding systemic shortcomings in workplace safety, including fragmented regulations, low awareness among employers, fear of retaliation among workers, weak penalties, inadequate data on workplace injuries and limited inspectorate capacity.

“The Bill provides clearer duties for employers and employees, stronger enforcement powers for inspectors, mandatory reporting systems, improved penalties and nationwide safety information management,” he explained.

He emphasised that workplace safety is central to national development, noting that a safer workforce improves productivity, strengthens investor confidence, enhances export readiness and reduces pressure on the healthcare system.

“A safer workforce is a more productive workforce. No Nigerian should lose their life or livelihood simply because they went to work,” he said.

Zacharias urged stakeholders—including labour unions, employers, civil society groups, safety experts and regulators—to make constructive contributions that will help refine the Bill and ensure its effective implementation.

“Your voice matters, your experience matters and your participation matters,” he told participants. “This is an opportunity to shape the future of occupational safety and health in Nigeria.”

The Federal Fire Service urged to the House to clarify certain provisions in the proposed Occupational Safety and Health Bill to avoid conflicts with existing fire safety laws and responsibilities.

Represented by Chief Superintendent of Fire (CSF) Sarki Abdul-Rahman at the public hearing in Abuja, the Service said it supports the overall goal of the Bill but identified a few areas that require adjustment.

Abdul-Rahman said the Fire Service operates a wider mandate that covers all environments, not just workplaces, and therefore any provisions relating to fire protection, fire prevention or emergency response must align with the Fire Service Act, the National Building Code and the Fire Code.

He pointed specifically to Item 31 of the draft Bill, noting that any approval process concerning fire and life safety systems—including alarms, suppression equipment, means of escape and firefighting infrastructure—should not overlap with the statutory duties of the Fire Service.

“Our concern is to ensure that fire-related components remain under the appropriate authority so there is no conflict in enforcement,” he said.

The Fire Service also urged the Committee to review the section on penalties for workplace incidents to ensure that punishments reflect the severity of harm caused.

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ACIPA Backs Ibrahim Khalid’s Conversion to Christianity, Warns Against Threats

Published

21 minutes ago

September 2, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) has affirmed its support for the reported conversion of Ibrahim Nuru Khalid, son of prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Mohammad Nuru Khalid, to Christianity, saying his choice of religion is protected by the Nigerian Constitution.

The association said Ibrahim had the constitutional right to choose and change his religion and must not be threatened, intimidated or punished for exercising that right.

In a statement issued by the National Chairman of the Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association, Rev. Luke Shehu, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, ACIPA said it had been informed of the reported conversion of Ibrahim and expressed solidarity with his father, Sheikh Mohammad Nuru Khalid.

The association described Sheikh Mohammad Nuru Khalid as a respected Islamic cleric and recalled that he was a recipient of ACIPA’s Special Merit Award of Excellence for his consistent messages of peaceful coexistence, justice and nation-building.

“His voice has been a bridge in a time of division,” he said.

On Ibrahim’s reported conversion, ACIPA said, “the choice of religion is a personal matter between an individual and God, the Creator.”

It cited Section 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

“This includes the freedom to change one’s religion,” ACIPA said, stressing that “No Nigerian can be forced, coerced, or punished for the exercise of this constitutional right.”

The association also condemned any threats of violence against Ibrahim because of his reported decision to become a Christian.

It said it was formally notifying relevant security agencies and called on them to take immediate and decisive action against anyone who attempted to harm, intimidate or harass Ibrahim.

“We strongly condemn and warn against any individual, group, or entity that makes threats of violence, jihad, or any form of harm against Ibrahim Nuru Khalid on account of his personal faith decision.

“The life and liberty of every Nigerian must be protected by law,” ACIPA said.

ACIPA also appealed to Christians to handle the development with restraint, urging both clergy and lay Christians to pray for Ibrahim, his safety, his family and peace in Nigeria.

It cautioned against statements that could provoke Muslims or portray the reported conversion as a victory over Islam.

“We urge restraint from frivolous, provocative, or triumphalist statements against Islam or Muslims.
“Our witness must be one of love, dignity, and truth, not of insult or incitement,” ACIPA said.

The association equally appealed to Muslim leaders and communities to uphold what it described as the long-standing tradition of mutual respect advocated by Sheikh Mohammad Nuru Khalid.

ACIPA stressed that the issue should not be allowed to trigger religious tension or undermine the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution.

“We appeal to all Muslim leaders and communities to uphold the long tradition of mutual respect that Sheikh Nuru Khalid himself has preached.

“Nigeria is a secular, constitutional democracy. We must not allow this moment to be misused to create tension or to test whether we operate under the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution or any other law,” the association said.

The group said its position was based on the principle that every Nigerian should be free to determine his or her faith without fear.

“ACIPA stands for the right of every Nigerian to live, believe, and worship without fear,” it said.

The association warned against any attempt to impose different standards of law based on religious affiliation.

“We will not accept a situation where Nigeria operates a “dual constitution”. Our nation is governed by one law: the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

ACIPA therefore called on the Federal Government, state governments, traditional rulers and religious leaders to work together to douse tension and protect peace.

It also prayed for Ibrahim Nuru Khalid, Sheikh Mohammad Nuru Khalid and his family, as well as peace in Arewa and Nigeria.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) is a non-governmental religious advocacy group representing Christian clergy and indigenous Christian communities in Northern Nigeria.

Its core focus us advocating for the rights, social justice, and welfare of Northern Christians, promoting interfaith peace, and addressing issues of security and development in the region.

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Fake Agency: Reps Trace 58 Bank Accounts, 12 Entities to Adeyemi Over Alleged PFIPC

Published

56 minutes ago

September 2, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Adhoc Committee investigating the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) has traced about 58 bank accounts to Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, with preliminary findings indicating that more than 30 of the accounts were operated in the names of about nine agencies, companies, foundations and related entities.

The committee also identified more than 12 organisations and entities allegedly linked, directly or indirectly, to Adeyemi, raising questions about a possible network of organisations operating under governmental, international, investment, educational, charitable, foundation and United Nations-related identities.

Chairman of the committee, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, disclosed the findings on Wednesday in Abuja while presenting the panel’s preliminary report on the need to protect the integrity of the Federal Budget process.

The investigation is also examining the circumstances surrounding the inclusion of the purported PFIPC in the Federal Budget Framework.

Gagdi said information obtained from financial and investigative institutions indicated that Adeyemi’s Bank Verification Number (BVN) and other identifying details were connected to a substantial network of personal, corporate, organisational and foundation accounts.

The names linked to the records, according to the committee, include the Confederation of United Nations Youths, FCT Investment Promotion Agency and Public-Private Partnership, FCT Investment Promotion Council and Public-Private Partnership, Foreign Investment Promotion Agency, United Nations Youth Global Agency, United Nations Youth Global Foundation, World United Nations Youth Global Foundation, World Entrepreneurship University Limited, World Enterprise University Limited, FCT Investment Promotion Act, FCT Promotion Agency and Olubadan of Ibadan Foundation.

Gagdi said some of the entities appeared to operate multiple accounts, while other accounts were registered under personal names or variations of the identified names.

He, however, stressed that the committee had not reached a conclusion that every account, entity or transaction identified in the course of the investigation was unlawful.

“The Committee is reconciling registration records, account mandates, beneficial ownership information, signatories and transaction histories to determine the true nature and control of the identified entities and accounts,” he said.

According to the committee, similarities in the names, objectives, management structures, signatories and banking relationships of some of the organisations had created a legitimate basis for further investigation.

The panel is investigating whether multiple organisations were created or deployed using governmental, international, investment, educational, charitable, foundation or United Nations-related identities.

Gagdi said evidence before the committee indicated that Adeyemi might be connected, either directly or indirectly, to more than 12 of the entities under investigation.

He said the committee was examining whether the organisations were established or used to create artificial credibility, solicit funds, attract investments, obtain official recognition, secure government facilities or persuade members of the public to part with money.

The committee chairman further disclosed that members of the panel had met Adeyemi behind closed doors as part of the investigation, although he declined to reveal details of the meeting.

Gagdi also reiterated that Adeyemi could not be brought before the committee because of a court order keeping him in police custody. He did not provide further details about the order or the circumstances surrounding the custody.

Naijablitznews.com recalled that the House constituted the Adhoc Committee following the adoption of Resolution No. 68/07/2026 on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

The resolution followed reports concerning the purported establishment and operation of the PFIPC, as well as its alleged inclusion in the Federal Budget Framework.

The House said its action was taken in exercise of its constitutional powers of appropriation, oversight and investigation, particularly in view of concerns surrounding the identity, operations and budgetary status of the purported council.

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Shettima @60: Speaker Abbas Hails VP’s Service, Loyalty to Tinubu

Published

3 hours ago

September 2, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday, describing him as a dedicated public servant and a strong ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas praised Shettima for his commitment to democracy and public service.

The Speaker described the Vice President’s loyalty to President Tinubu as exemplary, saying his record in public office had prepared him for the responsibilities of his current position.

Speaker Abbas eulogised Shettima as a leader of exceptional qualities and described him as one of the most patriotic Nigerians alive.

He also commended the Vice President for his contributions to the Tinubu administration, noting that his experience and achievements in previous public offices had continued to strengthen his performance as Vice President.

According to the Speaker, Shettima’s experience as governor of Borno State, senator and in other public positions had made him one of the most experienced public servants in government today.

The statement read: “The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has extended his congratulations to the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, on the occasion of his Diamond Jubilee, praising the VP’s steadfast commitment to democracy and devoted public service.”

Speaker Abbas described Senator Shettima as a “reliable ally to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, praising his loyalty as exemplary and worthy of emulation.”

The Speaker further said Senator Shettima “continues to be one of the most patriotic Nigerians alive,” while highlighting his “invaluable contributions” to the Tinubu administration.

On the 2027 presidential election, Speaker Abbas expressed confidence in the APC ticket, following the decision by President Tinubu to retain Shettima as his running mate.

“With Senator Shettima returning as President Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket is a winning one”, he said

The Speaker also prayed for the Vice President’s continued good health and longevity.

He prayed to Allah (SWT) “to grant Senator Shettima mercy, grace, longevity, and good health so he can continue contributing value to the Tinubu administration and the nation as a whole.”