FG to train MSMEs workers on safety, health improvement

The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to improve the safety and health of workers in the Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) through training.

The Director, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Lauretta Adogu, said this in an address at the “Training for MSMEs on Improving Safety and Health in their Various Enterprises, held in Abuja.”

She emphasised that the training would strengthen the capacity of the enterprises in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.

Adogu noted that MSMEs serve as contributors to the world economy, provide sustainable development, encourage innovation, provide livelihood to millions of people, and are essential for the economic well-being of any society.

According to her, despite numerous challenges of MSMEs, such as inadequate working capital, stiff competition from larger companies, difficulties in sourcing raw materials, and low capacity utilisation, their significance to the Nigerian economy cannot be overemphasized.

A statement by Patience Onuobia, Head, Press and Public Relations, quoted the Director saying: “The recent initiatives by the Federal Government in launching the skill innovation programme which will provide three million Nigerian MSMEs with essential digital skills, is laudable and commendable.

“This initiative is a response to the evolution of the modern business environment, and acknowledgement that digital skills have become the cornerstone of economic ease and expansion.

“The initiative is aimed at improving engagements between Government and MSMEs, to contribute more to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and inspire prospective business owners to strive for excellence.”

Speaking further, Adogu said the training aims to equip MSMEs with the necessary skills to incorporate OSH into all aspect/value chain of their businesses, with the expectation of paving the way for the seamless implementation of the Action Checklist on OSH for MSMEs.

She posited that the training would help to strengthen MSMEs’ capacity to produce high-quality products, with a view to preventing accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

She added that this training would contribute to the strengthening of the capacity as well as improve the safety and health of MSMEs workers in Nigeria.

Adogu therefore charged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the training in order to equip themselves and enhance their skills.

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