Uncategorized
MINILS DG decries rising workplace accidents, deaths
- Urges sustained workers’ education on safety
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Issa Aremu, has raised fresh concerns over the scale of workplace accidents and deaths across the globe, describing the trend as “unacceptable and criminal,” while urging sustained workers’ education on safety in Nigeria.
Aremu, who spoke at the 2026 International Day for Safety and Health at Work organised by the Institute in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, cited global data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) showing that about 2.93 million workers die annually from occupational accidents and diseases, including over 350,000 fatal injuries and nearly two million deaths linked to work-related illnesses.
The alarming figures, he noted, underscore a deeper crisis in workplace safety culture, saying “it is unacceptable that workplaces have been turned into mortuaries,” especially when compared with conflict zones where fewer casualties are recorded.
He said: “Workplace deaths are primarily caused by traumatic incidents such as motor-vehicle accidents, falls, electrical hazards, as well as long-term exposure to toxic substances,” stressing that employers must comply with provisions of the Factories Act and ILO Convention 155 on safe working conditions.
The MINILS boss disclosed that the institute has intensified efforts to promote occupational safety education in line with the Federal Government’s policy direction, adding that new initiatives would include integrating psychosocial risk assessment into safety training and expanding collaboration with regulatory agencies.
“As part of our 2026 mandate, we are deepening training, research and collaboration. We are signing an MoU with the Federal Fire Service and NECA to roll out joint certification on workplace well-being and fire safety across the six geo-political zones,” he said.
Aremu also warned employers against superficial compliance, noting that “a fire extinguisher on the wall is not compliance,” just as he urged trade unions to prioritise safety in collective bargaining agreements.
Earlier in his presentation, the Head of Department, Industrial Inspection and Enforcement, Federal Fire Service, Kwara State Command, DSF Ibrahim Toyin, highlighted the scale of fire-related risks in Nigerian workplaces and their economic impact.
According to him, over 7,000 fire incidents are recorded annually in Nigeria, with about 42% of workplace fatalities linked to fire and explosions, while nearly 30% of businesses shut down after major fire outbreaks.
The report further estimated that workplace incidents cost Nigeria over ₦2.1 trillion yearly, representing a significant drain on productivity and national output.
Toyin explained that workplace fire safety is “a system, not just equipment,” involving prevention, early detection, suppression and coordinated evacuation, adding that most fire outbreaks are traceable to electrical faults, flammable materials, human negligence and mechanical failures.
He stressed that effective fire risk assessment, compliance with the National Fire Safety Code (2013), and regular emergency drills remain critical to reducing fatalities.
In his remarks, Director of Academics and Distance Learning Programmes at MINILS, Dr. Sylvanus Simon Adamade, said workplace safety remains central to productivity, noting that “only healthy workers can sustain organisational performance.”
He added that the institute has expanded its academic and professional training programmes, including a Bachelor’s degree in Employment Relations and Human Resource Management affiliated with the University of Ilorin and fully accredited since 2023.
Adamade said the institute had so far produced 50 graduates in the field, contributing to strengthening labour relations and workplace management in Nigeria.
He called on stakeholders to take advantage of MINILS training platforms, stressing that collective action is needed to address workplace risks, reduce fatalities and improve national productivity.
The International Day for Safety and Health at Work was officially inaugurated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2003. It is observed annually on April 28 to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.
Uncategorized
Kaduna Government Allegedly Orders Activist’s Arrest Over Anti-APC Remarks
By: Fabian Apechihin
The Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani has allegedly ordered the arrest of political activist Zamani Musa, popularly known as Mycah Dangata, following comments in which he urged residents to vote against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to sources familiar with the matter, Dangata was reportedly arrested after publicly campaigning against the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sani. He was also said to have called on Kaduna residents to reject all APC candidates in future elections.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the activist’s arrest followed the circulation of a video he recorded shortly after the APC primaries. In the video, Dangata allegedly declared support for the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) and former Senator Danjuma Laah, while advocating for a power shift to Southern Kaduna.
A source claimed that Dangata was arrested by Operation Fushin Kaduna, a security outfit established by the state government in collaboration with the Kaduna State Police Command and other security agencies to combat banditry, kidnapping, and illegal arms trafficking.
“He was arrested by Operation Fushin Kaduna, the state security outfit composed of policemen,” the source alleged.
Another source suggested that Dangata may have drawn the government’s displeasure after comparing Governor Sani unfavourably with former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Activist Criticises Governor Sani
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, Dangata, speaking in Hausa, criticised Governor Sani’s leadership style and political decisions. He praised El-Rufai, arguing that the former governor adopted a more people-centred approach to governance.
According to Dangata, El-Rufai allowed communities greater freedom in choosing their preferred candidates, whereas he accused the current administration of imposing candidates on local communities.
He further urged residents to unite politically against the APC, stating that those concerned about Kaduna State’s future should work together to defeat the ruling party at all levels of government.
“We should vote out Asiwaju (President Tinubu), vote out Uba Sani, and vote out every candidate presented by the APC,” he said.
Dangata described the alleged imposition of candidates as inconsistent with democratic principles and argued that residents should collectively oppose what he characterised as undemocratic practices.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Government and security authorities had not publicly responded to the allegations surrounding the activist’s arrest.
Uncategorized
One Killed, Several Houses Burnt as Suspected Militias Attack Benue Community
By: Fabian Apechihin
Suspected militia members have attacked a community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, killing one person and setting several houses ablaze before fleeing the area.
According to reports, troops operating under Sector 1, in collaboration with personnel of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, responded to a distress call at approximately 8:30 a.m. on June 4 following an attack on residents of Mbasa community in Utange Council Ward.
Security operatives swiftly deployed to the area but found that the assailants had already escaped before their arrival.
A preliminary assessment revealed that one resident lost his life during the attack, while several homes were destroyed by fire allegedly set by the attackers.
During a search of the scene, security personnel recovered two empty 7.62mm special ammunition cartridges, suggesting that firearms were used in carrying out the assault.
The victim’s body was later evacuated by family members for burial in accordance with local customs and traditions.
Military authorities stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the attack. They also confirmed that security presence has been strengthened in the area to prevent further violence and reassure residents of their safety.
Uncategorized
EFCC Arraigns Husband, Wife for N1bn Fraud in Ado-Ekiti
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a self-styled native doctor, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo, and his wife, Awolegan Omolola Omotola, for an alleged contract scam to the tune of N1,098,961,500 (One Billion, Ninety Eight Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-one Thousand, Five Hundred Naira Only).
The couple were arraigned before Justice Abubakar Usman of the Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti on a six-count charge bordering of obtaining money by false pretence and retention of proceeds of crime contrary to Section 17(a) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.
Taiwo and Omotola ran into trouble when a widow, Anazia Colina Kenechukwu, a proprietor of a private school in Delta State, petitioned the EFCC alleging that the first defendant, Taiwo, approached her to finance a road construction contract purportedly awarded to him by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
Kenechukwu further alleged that a total sum of N1,980,000,000.00 (One Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighty Million Naira Only) was paid into Taiwo’s account domiciled with Access Bank Plc.
Investigation further revealed that the couple invested the proceeds of the illicit activities in the acquisition of two properties in Ado-Ekiti, namely: Town Tavern Lounge, located at No. 1, Ikere Road, off Florence Court School, Ado-Ekiti, and a four-bedroom bungalow located on Florence Court, Irewolede Estate, Ado-Ekiti
The Commission had on Monday, May 25, 2026 secured the interim attachment of the two properties.
Count 2 of the charge reads:
“That you, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo and Awolegan Omolola Omotola, sometime between January 2024 and November 2025, in Ilorin within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N1,098,961,500.00 (One Billion, Ninety-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-One Thousand, Five Hundred Naira) from one Anazia Colina Kenechukwu, which was paid to you through Olorunbukunmi Taiwo’s account number 0027303340 domiciled with Access Bank Plc, by falsely representing that same would be used to execute a road construction contract awarded to you by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADobobEC), a pretence you knew to be false, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them.
Following their pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Sesan Ola, prayed the court to fix a date for trial and order the remand of the defendants.
Justice Usman adjourned the matter until Thursday, June 11, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, and commencement of trial. The judge also ordered the remand of the defendants in the EFCC custody.
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News12 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology5 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader
