The National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria (NISCN) has successfully reviewed and adopted a new constitution, replacing the previous one that had been in place since 1982.
This significant milestone marks a major turning point for the organization, which was established in 1964 by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The Federal Government of Nigeria through a cabinet decision established the National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria in 1964, in compliance with the convention/directive of the International Labour Organization (ILO) that directed all member countries to create an apex Tripartite Health and Safety body comprising of Government, Labour unions (NLC/TUC) and Employer organization (NECA).
Since the 1964, the NISCN has consistently coordinated all advocacy platforms for effective management of OSH awareness creation for all categories of workers in both public and private sectors of Nigeria.
However, the old constitution was a clog in the wheel to the progress of the organization as it couldn’t support performance in line with current realities.
Efforts were made by different administrations in the past but it did not yield desired positive result of getting a new constitution in place.
The new leadership of the council, led by Engr. John Obajinmi resolved to harmonise efforts of previous administrations and current National Executive Committee in order to get the new constitution on board.
This led to efforts to begin composition of the Constitution Review Committee on the inauguration of the new national excos on March 10 2025 at the OSH Department of Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment , Federal Secretariat Complex.
The Constitution Review Committee has Engr, Deji Amoo as Chairman and Mr. Ogbogu Theophilus as the secretary. To allow broad perspectives into the review exercise, all present members of the NEC drawn from the tripartite served as members of the committee.
The old constitution has 15 chapters, while the new constitution has 38 chapters. In the new constitution, many committees have been incorporated including Religious committee, Creative Industry committee, Sports committee, Construction committee, and Power committee etc.
This expansion will give room for informal sector inclusivity in OSH advocacy and activities and the inclusion of Emerging Technologies and Cyber Space which will also help to address AI related issues in OSH practice- in line with ILO’s focus.
Similarly, the NEC were expanded by separating representatives of Federal Ministry of Power from Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel since the federal government has splited the ministries.
The new constitution also contained various categories of awards to deserving members, HSE professionals, government functionaries, among others who have supported HSE activities at different levels.
The new constitution has also streamlined responsibilities in order to ensure transparency and discipline for erring members.
The new constitution was signed on July 21, 2025 by the National President Engr John Obajinmi, General Secretary Dr. Kelvin Esimogu and immediate past Director of OSH, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mrs Adogu Lauretta.
As required by the previous constitution, the National Executive Committee of the council has ratified and approved the new constitution for use from 22nd of August, 2025.
The National President of the council, Engr. John Obajinmi expressed sincere appreciation to the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi; Hon. Minister of State Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Salihu A Usman for their continued support for for the council’s stability and progress. He further appreciated the Deputy Director of the ministry, Mrs. Owei Florence for her passion to see the council succeed.
He solicited for cooperation and support of the Federal Government, State Governors, Traditional rulers and all safety professionals in Nigeria to play their roles in ensuring that Safety and Health of workers in Nigeria is safeguarded, especially now that the council has ratified a new constitution.
