By Oyinbodusi Stephen
First of all, my intention here is not to discredit the integrity of Nigeria or in any way ridicule the hard work and diligence that stem from the competence, passion, and determination of individuals, institutions, government bodies, and stakeholders who have vowed to make this country a better and safer environment. Rather, this is an attempt to call on all these categories of people to critically examine this issue in the quest to provide lasting solutions to the societal disorder highlighted below.
Every country in the world has its own share of institutional weaknesses, whether from government, organizations, or the attitudes of individuals within that environment.
However, in Nigeria, unsafe conditions and deficiencies in safety standards particularly in the area of safety compliance have caused significant damage to people, systems, culture, and institutions. As a citizen and an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Officer saddled with the responsibility of upholding professional ethics and the law, I feel compelled to express my concerns.
Firstly, Nigerian institutions have been weakened by prolonged and age-long manipulation by individuals who were once entrusted with the responsibility of managing and enforcing laws.
However, it is important to note that these institutions are not the only ones that bear the consequences; by extension, both young and old, across all regions, ultimately share in the fallout when systems fail.
Institutions are powerful in any nation. In fact, they are often referred to as pillars of justice, integrity, innovation, and the mindset that drives sectoral growth. Buttressing this point are the words of Michel Foucault, who posited that:
“Power is not an institution, and not a structure; neither is it a certain strength we are endowed with; it is the name that one attributes to a complex strategic situation in a particular society.”
Also, Alfred North Whitehead stated:
“Nothing is possible without men, but nothing lasts without institutions.”
Borrowing from this perspective, institutions should not merely exercise power but must focus on providing solutions, even to the most complex challenges.
From the standpoint of my profession, I firmly believe that Nigeria has sufficient compliance institutions in Environmental, Health, and Safety. Beyond governmental agencies, there are many Nigerians with vast industry experience and global exposure, capable of transforming safety structures across Africa.
These professionals span industries such as oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and real estate. Their wealth of experience is immense comparable to the largest reserves in the world.
However, when we ask ourselves honestly whether Nigeria is at par with other African nations or global standards in safety compliance, the answer is clear: No.
A brief comparative analysis between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, based on incidents over the past decade, reveals a stark difference in corrective actions. In Nigeria, responses often remain weak and lack the transformative impact seen elsewhere.
Take, for example, the tragic incident in Ikorodu, Lagos, in 2002, where a factory fire claimed over 100 lives. Due to unsafe practices, workers were locked inside the facility with no emergency exits.
When the fire broke out, they were unable to escape. Unfortunately, there is little to no publicly available record of investigation outcomes, corrective actions, or preventive measures from this incident to date an approach that falls far below global safety standards.
In contrast, the Grenfell Tower fire in London led to extensive investigations and the implementation of 58 safety recommendations, all accepted and enforced by the government. This demonstrates a strong institutional response focused on learning and prevention.
Similarly, recent incidents such as the Afriland Tower fire in Lagos (2025) highlight ongoing concerns. Although investigations are still underway, there is a strong expectation for proactive engagement from institutions such as the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, Lagos State Safety Commission, and other regulatory bodies.
In safety management, every incident is an opportunity for learning.
However, when incidents are not properly documented, analyzed, and shared, corrective actions become ineffective, and similar tragedies are bound to recur. This pattern has unfortunately persisted in Nigeria.
The best antidote to such occurrences is preparedness. When individuals and institutions fail to take responsibility, lawlessness prevails, and safety systems collapse. Our institutions must rise to the occasion and take decisive action.
In recent months alone, multiple fire outbreaks have been recorded, including a major incident at Idumota Market in Lagos Island, where lives and millions of naira worth of
investments were lost.
These recurring incidents underscore the urgent need for stronger institutional frameworks. Strong institutions are built on integrity and non-compromise, producing sustainable outcomes. Weak institutions, on the other hand, breed impunity and lawlessness.
Therefore, Nigeria’s safety institutions must be strengthened to ensure that safety becomes the norm across all industries.
Safety compliance must be reinforced, and community-based approaches to addressing non-compliance should be adopted.
In conclusion, having outlined the challenges from weak institutions and ineffective laws to poor enforcement we must now move toward solutions:
Formation of a New Occupational Health and Safety Bill:
Nigeria must urgently develop a comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety law tailored to its unique challenges. The proposed bill (HB2195) aims to replace outdated regulations and address current realities effectively. I appeal to senators, members of the
House of Representatives, the executive arm, stakeholders, and citizens to ensure the successful passage of this bill.
Finally, while fire outbreaks are a global phenomenon, as seen in the Grenfell Tower incident and others worldwide, Nigeria must prioritize proactive prevention, thorough investigations, and knowledge sharing. The federal government should consider declaring a state of emergency in health and safety, enforce strict sanctions on non-compliant organizations, and publicly hold offenders accountable.
Institutions such as the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, Lagos State Safety Commission, State Fire Services, and the Federal Fire Service must intensify audits and inspections across workplaces, hotels, and public spaces.
Only through deliberate, collective, and sustained action can we bridge the gap between Nigeria and global safety standards and ultimately safeguard lives and the nation’s future.
Oyinbodusi Olusola Stephen
HSE OFFICER AND RISK MANAGER
Mail: Olusolastephen0@gmail.com
Phone number: 08074731955
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