Lagos: Improving safety in Nigeria requires leadership commitment, stronger laws, grassroots education, and collaboration among governments, the private sector, academia, and professional bodies, the World Safety Organisation (WSO) has said. Dr. Soji Olalokun, Country Director of WSO Nigeria and Executive Director of SafERR Networks, emphasized these points in a statement on Friday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olalokun highlighted that Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in safety practices, particularly due to a lack of awareness and a reactive culture towards safety. “Our concern is that safety is still treated as a box-ticking exercise rather than a way of life. Many accidents we see are avoidable if there is awareness, training, and strong enforcement of safety rules,” he noted.
In an effort to promote safety practices, WSO will host the eighth edition of its International Conference and World Safety Awards (WoSAwards) on September 11 and September 12 in Ikeja. The conference will follow the theme: ‘PROGRESS: Promoting Resilient Occupational, Governance, Risk Management, and Environmental Safety Standards.’
Olalokun mentioned that more than 2,000 safety, security, health, and environment professionals, policymakers, regulators, academics, and industry leaders from across the world are expected to participate in the event. The conference will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, technical paper presentations, and the investiture of SafERR Global Ambassadors, alongside the induction of new members into the SafERR Global Institute.
He further noted that a major highlight of the event will be the WoSAwards Gala Night, where over 32 corporate organisations and 31 individuals will be honored for their contributions to advancing safety, security, health, environment, and sustainability. Participants will also benefit from free training on emergency response.
Olalokun described the conference as a platform to educate, recognize, and empower. “It is not just another conference. It is a movement for change. We want to create heroes out of safety champions, equip Nigerians with life-saving skills, and promote a new culture where safety becomes natural for everyone,” he stated.
He concluded by underscoring the impact of the event, both immediate and long-term, as participants will gain hands-on knowledge to save lives, while industries and communities will benefit from improved safety practices. “A safer Nigeria is a more productive and economically-viable Nigeria. Reduced accidents mean less downtime, lower healthcare costs, and a more attractive environment for investors,” Olalokun added.