By Merit Ibe
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has again reaffirmed its commitment to promoting occupational safety and health (OSH) in workplaces, while integrating digital systems to foster more efficient and secure working environments.
In line with this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work, themed, “Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation,” the NSITF called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable, technology-driven strategies that mitigate the emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence and digitalisation.
Speaking during a commemorative walk in Lagos, the Regional Manager, Mainland, Agboma Okoroafor, emphasised that safe and healthy workplaces are not just desirable but essential.
“Today, we proudly stand alongside the global community, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and our national institution, the NSITF, to reflect on our progress, reaffirm our commitment to preventing workplace accidents and diseases, and uphold the fundamental right of every worker to health and safety,” Okoroafor said.
She stressed that navigating the digital transformation of workplace safety requires more than deploying new technologies; it demands a human-centred approach. According to her, while AI, robotics, smart monitoring systems, and digital platforms offer new possibilities to predict risks, enhance response times, and reduce human exposure to hazardous tasks, they also introduce fresh risks that require proactive policy and strategic responses.
Okoroafor pointed out that under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010, the NSITF’s role is not just to pay compensation, but also to ensure prevention. She maintained that innovation must be balanced with a strong duty of care, urging employers to integrate robust safety measures even as workplaces become increasingly digitised.
“Going forward, NSITF will use this moment to pause, reflect, renew our commitment, and take purposeful action. Let us think safety, act safely, and build a future where every worker is protected, respected, and empowered,” she added.
Similarly, the Mainland Branch Manager of NSITF, Abimbola Yakubu, noted that occupational safety and health have always been core to productive work environments. However, she observed that traditional systems are often reactive and slow to adapt to new threats.
“We are entering a new era where data is not merely collected, it’s interpreted, predicted, and acted upon in real time, driven by Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies,” Yakubu stated
She explained that while NSITF’s success is sometimes narrowly measured by the number of compensation claims paid, true success lies in the prevention of accidents through effective OSH programs.
“When OSH systems are robust and results-driven, workplace accidents decrease significantly. A thriving safety culture means fewer accidents and therefore fewer claims, and that is a better reflection of NSITF’s success,” Yakubu said.
She urged all stakeholders to embrace a positive safety culture powered by innovation, stressing that implementing AI and digitalisation in workplace health and safety is not just an opportunity, but a responsibility.
“It is our chance to create smarter, safer, and more humane workplaces. Let us take bold steps. Let us lead with vision. Let us shape the future of health and safety together,” she concluded.
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