The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to create a distinct budget line for occupational safety and health (OSH) across all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) starting from the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
This followed a motion moved by David Zachariah (APC, Kogi) during Wednesday’s plenary.
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Mr Zechariah, while leading a debate on the motion, highlighted the increasing rate of workplace accidents and occupational hazards in the public sector due to poor safety provisions and a lack of dedicated funding.
He said several government agencies have, over the years, witnessed avoidable workplace injuries, fatalities, and poor compliance with safety standards, largely because there is no clear financial allocation for occupational safety programmes.
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He noted that the absence of a distinct budget line for OSH in the nation’s budgetary framework has made it difficult for MDAs to implement preventive measures, conduct safety trainings, or procure essential safety equipment.
The increasing rate of workplace accidents and occupational hazards across MDAs due to inadequate prioritisation and absence of a distinct budget line for occupational safety and health programmes has, over the years, undermined the implementation of safety standards,” Mr Zachariah said.
Circular on OSH implementation ignored
The lawmaker said the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, via a circular issued on 6 July 2022, directed all MDAs to establish Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) desks to coordinate and enforce workplace safety policies.
However, he lamented that the directive had not been effectively implemented because of the lack of financial backing, leaving many government workers exposed to unsafe environments.
Legal and international obligations
Mr Zachariah further referenced Section 17(3c) of the Constitution, which mandates the state to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of all employed persons.
He also reminded lawmakers that Nigeria has ratified key International Labour Organsation (ILO) Conventions 155 and 187, which compel member states to provide systematic frameworks and adequate financial resources to promote workplace safety, health, and well-being.
“The failure to create a specific budget line for OSH contradicts Nigeria’s international obligations to promote safe and decent work,” he added.
House resolution
Adopting the motion, 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 Civil Service of the Federation to immediately create a specific budget line for OSH across all MDAs, beginning with the 2026 budget cycle.
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It also mandated its Committees on Safety Standards and Regulations; Finance; Budget and Economic Planning; and Appropriation, to liaise with the relevant ministries and offices to ensure the inclusion, implementation, and proper utilisation of the OSH budget line.
Occupational hazards in MDAs
Workplace accidents and unsafe environments have become recurring issues in Nigeria’s public institutions, with reports of building collapses, electrical mishaps, and exposure to toxic materials in some federal facilities.
Unlike private companies that are mandated by law to maintain safety budgets, many MDAs operate without clear safety structures or training mechanisms. This has raised concerns about productivity, staff welfare, and compliance with international labour standards.
