The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA, has assured the public of adequate workplace security and safety standards to protect factory workers and prevent workplace accidents in free trade zones.
The Administrative Manager of NEPZA, Mr Steven Makanjuola, gave the assurance on Tuesday during a press conference at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone, OGFTZ, in Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Recall that the Ogun State Government had recently shut down a steel company in Sagamu following the death of a worker in an operational accident.
The closure followed a stop-work order issued after safety officers inspected the facility and identified potential breaches of workplace safety regulations.
Makanjuola, while speaking on Tuesday at the conference themed “Industrial Development, Community Impact and Nigeria–China Partnership”, said industrial growth must go hand-in-hand with workers’ safety, noting that free trade zones are designed to promote investment while ensuring secure and conducive working environments for employees.
He said the presence of OGFTZ in Igbesa has created employment opportunities, skills development and business partnerships for Nigerians, stressing that sustaining such gains requires strict adherence to safety protocols and labour standards.
According to him, NEPZA continues to work with zone operators, investors and relevant government agencies to ensure that factory operations comply with workplace safety regulations, emergency response measures and welfare provisions for workers.
Makanjuola added that community development and workers’ welfare remain continuous priorities, assuring sustained engagement with stakeholders to strengthen workplace security and improve livelihoods in host communities.
Speaking on community impact, the Public Relations Manager of OGFTZ, Mr Tope Anthony, said the Zone’s industrial activities support employment and demand for local services, while its corporate interventions include education, healthcare, road infrastructure, water supply and youth empowerment.
He said the Zone has sustained the China–Nigeria Friendship School for over 14 years, serving over 700 pupils, and built roads estimated to benefit over 350,000 people among others.
He added that the Zone would continue to pursue initiatives that promote community welfare while advancing its broader objectives of industrial growth, employment creation and mutually beneficial economic relations between Nigeria and China.