The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has reaffirmed its commitment to working with Organised Labour, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to strengthen the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS), with a focus on safer and more productive workplaces for businesses across Nigeria.
NECA’s Director-General, Mr. Wale Smatt-Oyerinde, made this known at the Safe Workplace Intervention Project (SWIP) Annual Interactive Enlightenment Forum and Awards Ceremony held recently at NECA House in Lagos. He explained that SWIP was designed as a practical learning and engagement platform to help employers—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises better understand their obligations under the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010 and adopt proactive occupational safety and health practices.
Smatt-Oyerinde noted that the forum and awards were deliberate interventions to recognise organisations demonstrating strong commitment to workplace safety, while also providing space for open dialogue on the challenges businesses face in implementing the law. He added that safe workplaces are critical to productivity, competitiveness, and long-term business sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Maigari Dingyadi, described SWIP as a timely and strategic initiative that brings together key stakeholders to promote safe, healthy, and productive workplaces. He said the Employees’ Compensation Act remains a major milestone in Nigeria’s labour framework, guaranteeing fair and adequate compensation to workers who suffer injuries, disabilities, diseases, or death arising from their employment.
According to Dingyadi, the Act also places strong emphasis on prevention by encouraging employers to prioritise workplace safety, risk management, and occupational health. He stressed that safety should be viewed not as a cost, but as an investment in human capital, productivity, and national development.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said the Federal Government is intensifying enforcement of the Factory Rights Act and workplace inspections nationwide. She called for stronger collaboration with NECA and other stakeholders, noting that job creation must go hand in hand with worker safety.
“We cannot speak of job creation while workers are exposed to preventable dangers. No job is worth a human life,” she said, urging employers to comply fully with safety regulations and continue investing in safety systems.
Also speaking, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Joe Ajaero, said sustained efforts to strengthen compliance with the NSITF Act would reduce the socio-economic burden of workplace injuries and promote a culture of safety, accountability, and social justice across Nigerian workplaces.
On his part, NSITF Managing Director, Mr. Oluwaseun Faleye, described SWIP as a strategic platform for driving awareness, strengthening compliance, and fostering collaboration between employers, workers, and regulators. He noted that compliance with workplace safety standards should be seen as a strategic business decision that protects human capital, reduces operational risks, and enhances corporate reputation.
A major highlight of the event was the recognition of organisations such as Nigerian Breweries Plc, Guinness Nigeria, and Chi Limited for exemplary workplace safety practices, with some awardees receiving car ambulances to further promote occupational health and safety.
Stakeholders at the forum agreed that stronger collaboration and sustained awareness would help Nigerian businesses especially MSMEs build safer workplaces, protect workers, and improve overall productivity.
