The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has expressed concern over the rising number of workplace fatalities in the construction sector, revealing that more than 150 workers lost their lives to site-related accidents in 2024.
NSITF Managing Director, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, made the disclosure on Wednesday while delivering a keynote address at the 69th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) in Abuja.
Faleye described the figures as “sobering,” noting that Nigeria records between 50 and 70 major construction accidents annually, including building collapses, machinery-related injuries, and falls.
He stressed that stronger preventive measures are urgently needed, warning that “prevention is better than cure.” According to him, fostering a proactive safety culture—built on regular safety audits, strict compliance with standards, and continuous worker training—was key to reducing risks.
“Strengthening health and safety protocols is crucial,” he said. “A proactive safety culture, where risks are identified and mitigated early, is essential to preventing tragedies before they occur.”
Faleye urged construction companies to collaborate with NSITF’s Health, Safety and Environment team on audits and capacity-building initiatives, while reiterating the Fund’s readiness to support employers in ensuring both physical and social protection for workers.
He emphasized that prioritizing safety is not only about saving lives but also about securing the long-term growth and resilience of the construction industry.
The event drew leading construction firms, government officials, and other stakeholders.
