Sanwo-Olu launches ‘Safety First’ campaign, seeks renewed commitment to workplace safety

 Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Tuesday called for renewed commitment to occupational safety and health as economic and social activities heighten towards the end of the year.

Speaking at the Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Victoria Island, themed “Occupational Safety and Health as a Catalyst for Nation Building,” Sanwo-Olu launched the Safety First Campaign, urging employers to prioritise the wellbeing of their workforce.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Safety is not an option; it is a necessity. As we approach the busy end-of-year period.

" I urge all organisations to put safety first in their operations. A safe workplace enhances productivity and preserves lives," he said.

He also charged newly appointed Occupational Safety and Health Officers to discharge their duties with diligence and integrity.

“You must ensure that every workplace in Lagos meets the highest safety standards. Do your work without fear or favour, because lives depend on it,” the governor added.

Sanwo-Olu explained that the Safety First Campaign would serve as a public enlightenment initiative aimed at reducing workplace accidents, promoting compliance, and fostering a culture of prevention across sectors.

“This campaign will go beyond enforcement. It is about education, awareness, and shared responsibility.

" When we protect one worker, we protect a family and, by extension, our economy,” he said.

The governor said the initiative aligns with his administration’s goal of building a resilient and people-centric safety framework.

“What we are building is not just a policy that is far off or abstract. It is a people-driven initiative that ensures everyone understands their role and responsibility in sustaining safety,” he stated.

Recalling the state’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanwo-Olu praised the Lagos State Safety Commission for its pivotal role.

“It was such a difficult time for us, but with the Safety Commission and all stakeholders working together, we turned what could have been a catastrophic experience into something manageable. 

"Lagos became the centrepiece of response and safety innovation during that period,” he said.

He noted that over 20,000 facilities had been registered with the Safety Commission, adding that enforcement had reduced as more organisations embraced self-regulation.

“The enforcement level is going down because people now understand the importance of compliance. 

"We have seen improvements across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and education all driven by regular safety audits and inspections,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu commended the Safety Commission for its achievements and urged safety officers to maintain fairness and objectivity.

“If you don’t need to shut a place down, don’t. Encourage compliance through dialogue and education where possible,” he advised.

Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, said enforcement had decreased due to increased compliance.

“As we continue to inspect more facilities, we have seen a reduction in enforcement actions because organisations are adopting safety measures on their own,” he said.

Mojola explained that the commission had introduced several regulatory frameworks, including those for construction safety, dangerous goods transportation, and swimming pool control.

“Lagos hosts the nation’s busiest ports, so regulating the movement of hazardous materials is crucial. 

"We are ensuring that goods such as oil and gas are transported safely from Lagos to other parts of the country,” he said.

He further revealed that Lagos had established the Occupational Safety Officers Scheme, the first of its kind in Africa, with 28 new officers inaugurated at the event.

“We plan to recruit more officers as the state expands its safety operations,” Mojola said.

He noted that over 20,000 facilities had registered on the Government Safety Information System (GPIS) with pictorial evidence.

Mojola also disclosed that the Commission was leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to predict and prevent potential safety incidents before they occur.

“Our game changer is the Domestic Safety Platform, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, and LASRRA.

"This platform validates domestic staff to protect both employees and employers, ensuring domestic safety across Lagos State,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Olugbenga Oyerinde, reaffirmed that occupational and public safety remained top priorities for the Lagos State Government.

“Every Lagosian deserves to live, work, and move freely without fear. 

"This conference provides a platform for safety practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders to exchange ideas and chart pathways for safer workplaces and communities,” he said.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs Nkiruka Onyejeocha, commended the Lagos State Safety Commission for its sustained efforts, describing safety as both a moral and economic necessity.

“Safety is not only a regulatory requirement; it is a key driver of national growth. The Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, will soon declare a state of emergency on occupational safety and health,” she said.

The minister said that the Federal Government would work closely with states to strengthen enforcement and align national safety standards with international best practices.