The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the safety and health of workers in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through targeted training initiatives.
The director of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Lauretta Adogu, disclosed this during the training for MSMEs on improving safety and health in their various enterprises in Abuja.
Adogu stressed the importance of creating a safe and healthy working environment for MSMEs, which is crucial in economic development, innovation, livelihoods, and sustainability.
Despite challenges such as inadequate capital, stiff competition, and sourcing difficulties, she highlighted that MSMEs remain pivotal to Nigeria’s economy.
According to a statement by the ministry’s head of press and public relations, Patience Onuobia, the director lauded the federal government’s recent launch of the skills innovation programme, which aims to equip three million MSMEs with essential digital skills.
Adogu further outlined that the training was designed to integrate occupational safety and health (OSH) principles across MSME operations, ensuring the prevention of accidents and fatalities while enhancing the production of high-quality goods.
She urged beneficiaries to leverage the knowledge gained to enhance workplace safety standards and improve their business operations, ultimately boosting contributions to Nigeria’s GDP.
“This initiative acknowledges the evolving business environment and underscores the importance of digital skills as a driver of economic growth.
It aims to improve engagements between the government and MSMEs, contribute more to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and inspire prospective business owners to strive for excellence,” she noted.