The Federal Government says it is set to ratify the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention 2006 (No. 187) for the enhanced data collection on occupational safety incidents.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Yerima- Peter Tarfa, who said this in Abuja on Monday, added that it was also geared toward improved workers’ safety.

Tarfa spoke at the inauguration of the National Sensitisation Workshop for the Ratification of the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention 2006 (No. 187).

The permanent secretary said this in a statement by Mr Charles Akpan, Deputy Director, Press, and Public Relations in the ministry.

Tarfa said improved data collection on occupational accidents, illnesses, diseases, injuries, and death would lead to a reduction in such occurrences among workers.

He also said that the improved data collection on occupational accidents would give rise to increased productivity and national economic growth.

Tarfa also said the workshop was organized due to Nigeria’s resolve to ratify the convention.

”It has become expedient to commence further actions toward effective awareness of relevant stakeholders.

“This convention came into force as a result of the need to protect workers against illnesses, diseases, injuries, and deaths in the course of work, which is one of the core duties of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

“The Promotional Framework for the Occupational Safety and Health Convention  2006 (No. 187) is an ILO convention, which was concluded in 2006 and came into force in 2009.

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”This convention is binding only on member states whose ascension has been registered by the Director-General of the ILO, ” he said.

He disclosed that the convention had, by the year 2020, been ratified by force by 49 countries and presently in force, while three countries had only ratified and yet to come into force.

He, however, noted that of the 49 countries, 13 African countries had ratified with 11 in force and two, not in force.

‘Tarfa called for continued cooperation of all stakeholders toward achieving the highest level of safety, health, and wellbeing of all workers in the country.

Earlier, Director of, Occupational Safety and Health Department in the ministry, Mrs Lauretta Adogu said the workshop was aimed at raising awareness of all stakeholders and validating the reporting format of the ILO on the Promotional Framework for the Occupational Safety and Health Convention 2006 (No. 187).

Adogu said ratifying the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention 2006 (No. 187) would go a long way “in achieving a preventative and safe working culture” in the country.