Lawmakers Want Specific Budget For OSH Programs Across MDAs

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to create a specific budget line for occupational safety and health, OSH, programs across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, beginning with the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by
Member representing Idah Federal Constituency of Kogi State, David Zacharia at plenary on the increasing rate of workplace accidents and occupational hazards in the public sector.

In his lead debate, Mr Zacharia the lawmaker said the absence of a dedicated budget for safety programs has undermined the implementation of national policies on workplace safety and led to poor compliance across MDAs.

He noted that despite a 2022 circular from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation directing the establishment of OSH desks in all MDAs, implementation has been weak due to funding gaps.

Quoting Section 17(3)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the lawmaker said the state is obligated to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of all persons in employment.

He also reminded the House that Nigeria has ratified key International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions—Nos. 155 and 187—requiring the government to provide adequate frameworks and financial support for workplace health and safety.

The lawmaker expressed concern that the current “envelope budgeting system” does not provide for OSH, thereby exposing public servants to preventable risks and undermining productivity.

Adopting the motion, the house mandated its Committees on Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and Safety Standards to liaise with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the inclusion and proper utilisation of an OSH budget line in subsequent national budgets.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji