Occupational Safety and Health Commission of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill

A Bill establishes an independent commission to regulate and promote workplace safety across all sectors. The body targets employers and workers in industrial, construction, and service environments. It aims to replace fragmented enforcement and significantly reduce workplace accidents and injuries.

Occupational Safety and Health Commission of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill Policy Overview

What Is This Policy?

A bill to establish a dedicated, independent Occupational Safety and Health Commission to regulate, enforce, and promote workplace safety across all sectors of the Nigerian economy, replacing the current fragmented enforcement regime.

Who Does It Target?

Employers across all formal and informal sectors Workers and trade unions in industrial, construction, and service sectors Factories, construction sites, oil facilities, hospitals, and other workplaces Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Establish a single, authoritative body for occupational safety and health regulation in Nigeria Reduce workplace accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases significantly Align Nigeria's OSH framework with ILO standards and international best practice Develop a national OSH policy, standards, and enforcement capability

Key Features

Current Status

Funding: Government funding plus fees from OSH training certification and workplace audits

How to Access

Workers can file safety complaints with the commission upon establishment; employers apply for OSH certification through the commission. Requirements: Any worker or employer may lodge a complaint or request inspection Employers must register all workplaces with 10+ employees OSH officers must hold recognised occupational health qualification Application method: Commission headquarters and state offices; online portal for complaints and registration

Important Terms

Employers found guilty of gross negligence in workplace fatalities face criminal prosecution Fines for non-compliance range from ₦500,000 to ₦10 million per violation Workers have a right to refuse unsafe work without penalty under the proposed Act

Impact & Metrics

Nigeria records an estimated 2,000+ workplace fatalities annually; an empowered OSH Commission could reduce this by 40% within 5 years based on global benchmarks.

Official Resources

Website: www.labour.gov.ng (interim) Contact: Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment — [email protected] Federal Republic of Nigeria — Policy Summary Document | March 2026

Legal Framework

The Occupational Safety and Health Commission Bill, when enacted, would operate under the Employee's Compensation Act 2010, the Labour Act, and the Factories Act 2004. It aligns with the Federal Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria Act, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency Act 2007, and Nigeria's obligations under ILO Conventions 155 (Occupational Safety and Health), 161 (Occupational Health Services), and 187 (Promotional Framework for OSH).