Lagos unveils first Occupational Safety Cadre in Sub-Saharan Africa

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Tuesday that Lagos State has set new safety standards by inaugurating the Safety First Campaign and establishing an Occupational Safety Cadre, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Speaking at the third Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Conference (LASOSH) in Lagos, he also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to reinforce safety across the state.

“This groundbreaking cadre is not just a bureaucratic innovation; it is a bold declaration that Lagos is setting new standards in public service professionalism,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He highlighted technological innovations deployed by the state, including a safety app that allows citizens to report hazards in real time, drones for aerial surveillance of high-risk areas, and body cameras equipped with thermal functionalities to aid compliance monitoring and emergency response. “These tools are deliberate investments in predictive governance,” he added.

He charged safety officers to act responsibly and with fairness. “If you don’t need to shut a place down, do not shut it down. Speak to people when necessary. But when enforcement is required, do not shy away from the full hand of the law.”

For his part, Lanre Mojola, Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, disclosed that enforcement actions have decreased while compliance rate is on the rise. “We continue strict enforcement of regulations such as those on vertical transportation equipment,” he said.

Mojola further announced the introduction of 28 new Occupational Safety Officers, the first cadre of its kind in Africa, with plans to employ more. He revealed that over 20,000 facilities have registered with the commission’s Geographic and Pictorial Information System (GPIS), which is enhanced by artificial intelligence to predict safety issues before they occur.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to public and occupational safety. He described LASOSH as an important platform for leaders, safety practitioners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and chart a path toward safer communities and workplaces.