The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) have urged employers to prioritise workers’ safety and welfare for optimum performance.

The call was made on Thursday in Enugu during the NSITF–NECA Safe Workplace Intervention Project (SWIP) 2025 Interactive Enlightenment Forum and Awards Ceremony.

NECA 0resident, Ifeanyi Okoye, said the initiative was a strategic collaboration, designed not merely for compliance, but as a practical engagement and learning platform.

Mr Okoye said protected workers, assured of compensation for work-related injuries or occupational diseases, made enterprises more resilient, competitive and sustainable.

According to him, the event promoted workplace safety and social protection through direct interaction with employers in the South-East and South-South regions.

He said it was structured to ensure employers nationwide were enlightened, engaged and supported to improve workplace safety standards.

“The event reinforced the importance of workplace safety and effective implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010 nationwide.

“Today’s programme combines enlightenment with awards to recognise organisations demonstrating exemplary commitment to workplace safety,” he said.

Mr Okoye said it also enabled honest dialogue on challenges in implementing the Act and practical solutions to enhance compliance and outcomes.

Minister of state for labour and employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening occupational safety and health systems nationwide.

She said SWIP aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, placing workers’ dignity, safety and productivity at the centre of national development.

“I commend NSITF and NECA and encourage employers to leverage SWIP to improve compliance and protect workers,” Ms Onyejeocha said.

She described workplace safety as an investment in productivity, sustainability and human dignity, rather than a cost.

Ms Onyejeocha said the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010 guaranteed compensation for work-related injuries, diseases and fatalities, while promoting prevention and risk management.

“Programmes like SWIP help translate this law from policy into practical action,” she said.

NSITF managing director, Oluwaseun Faleye, said NECA had partnered the Fund for 15 years to promote workplace safety nationwide.

He said the event appreciated compliant organisations, encouraged them and showcased best practices to improve compliance across the regions.

“Where an employer complies and a worker is injured, that worker is entitled to compensation and rehabilitation,” Mr Faleye said.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, represented by Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, commissioner for trade, investment and industry, said the state partnered with NECA to improve ease of doing business.

(NAN)