The World Safety Organisation (WSO) has emphasized that improving safety in Nigeria requires committed leadership, stronger legislation, grassroots education, and greater collaboration among government, private sector, academia, and professional bodies.
Dr. Soji Olalokun, Country Director of WSO Nigeria and Executive Director of SafERR Networks, stated this in Lagos on Friday. He noted that Nigeria continues to face significant safety challenges, citing poor awareness and a reactive culture toward safety issues.
“Safety is still treated as a box-ticking exercise rather than a way of life,” Olalokun said. “Many of the accidents we witness are preventable if there is awareness, training, and strict enforcement of safety standards.”
He announced that WSO will host the eighth edition of its International Conference and World Safety Awards (WoSAwards) on September 11 and 12 in Ikeja. The conference will run under the theme: “PROGRESS: Promoting Resilient Occupational, Governance, Risk Management, and Environmental Safety Standards.”
According to Olalokun, the event will bring together more than 2,000 safety, security, health, and environment professionals, alongside policymakers, regulators, academics, and industry leaders from around the world. The conference will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, technical paper presentations, and the investiture of SafERR Global Ambassadors, as well as induction of new members into the SafERR Global Institute.
One of the highlights will be the WoSAwards Gala Night, where over 30 organizations and more than 30 individuals will be recognized for their contributions to advancing safety, security, health, environment, and sustainability. Participants will also benefit from free training on emergency response.
Olalokun described the conference as a platform designed to educate, empower, and celebrate safety champions. “It is not just another conference—it is a movement for change. We want to create heroes out of safety advocates, equip Nigerians with life-saving skills, and build a culture where safety becomes second nature to everyone,” he said.
He added that the expected impact would be both immediate and long-term, as participants gain practical knowledge to save lives while industries and communities benefit from improved safety practices.
“A safer Nigeria is a more productive and economically viable Nigeria. Fewer accidents mean reduced downtime, lower healthcare costs, and a more attractive environment for investment,” Olalokun stressed.