The National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria (NISCN) has renewed its call for stronger workplace safety regulation and compliance across Nigeria's formal and informal sectors. This call was made while conferring the Senior Safety Advocate (SSA) title on Lanre Mojola, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Safety Commission. The recognition was in honour of his contributions to occupational health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards. Mojola is the first recipient of the SSA designation in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The recognition was presented by NISCN National President, John Obajimi, who commended Mojola's leadership in safety regulation, advocacy, and institutional development. According to the council, Mojola's contributions reflect "visionary leadership, outstanding dedication and impactful contributions" to the advancement of HSE standards. This honour comes at a time when safety concerns remain a major issue in workplaces and public spaces, particularly in high-risk sectors.
Under Mojola's leadership, the Lagos State Safety Commission has adopted the 4Es framework — Evaluation, Education, Engagement, and Enforcement — to strengthen safety management across the state. This approach focuses on identifying risks, educating stakeholders, engaging communities, and enforcing safety requirements across both the formal and informal economy. The commission has also intensified interventions in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector.
The Lagos State Safety Commission's interventions in the LPG sector target gas retailers, cylinder handlers, and plant operators through training, monitoring, and compliance checks aimed at reducing the risks of explosions and fires. The commission's safety interventions extend to construction sites, industrial facilities, schools, event venues, and other high-risk establishments. Here, inspections and risk assessments are used to identify hazards and encourage compliance with safety requirements.
Beyond conventional workplaces, the Lagos State Safety Commission has taken safety awareness campaigns to artisans, market operators, mechanics, transport workers, and construction workers. The commission recognises that occupational safety must also reach the informal sector, where many Nigerians earn their livelihoods. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the commission conducted safety assessments and audits of businesses, schools, and other establishments before they were allowed to reopen.
The National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria's recognition of Mojola underscores the need for safety to become a routine part of how workplaces and businesses operate. It also highlights the importance of sustained regulation, stakeholder education, risk assessment, and enforcement in reducing avoidable workplace incidents and protecting workers and members of the public. The council's call for stronger workplace safety compliance is a reminder of the life-changing consequences of a moment of carelessness or weak safety enforcement.
The Senior Safety Advocate title awarded to Mojola serves as a testament to his dedication to promoting occupational health, safety, and environmental standards in Nigeria. As the first recipient of this title in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mojola's achievement sets a precedent for others to follow. The NISCN's efforts to promote workplace safety and recognise outstanding contributions to the field are crucial in creating a safer and healthier work environment for all Nigerians.
Key points
- The National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria calls for stronger workplace safety regulation and compliance across Nigeria's formal and informal sectors.
- Lanre Mojola, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Safety Commission, is honoured with the Senior Safety Advocate title.
- The Lagos State Safety Commission adopts the 4Es framework to strengthen safety management across the state.
