Sanwo-Olu Launches Africa’s First Occupational Safety Cadre, Signs MoU with BOI

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property with the inauguration of the “Safety First Campaign” and the Occupational Safety Cadre he first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Speaking at the third Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Conference (LASOSH) held on Tuesday, the Governor described the new cadre as a bold step towards institutionalising safety in public service. He also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to support initiatives that promote workplace and community safety across Lagos.

“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. “For the first time, safety will not be treated as an ad-hoc responsibility but as a recognised career path, complete with structure, expertise, and continuity.”

The Governor also revealed that the state is investing in technology-driven safety management, including a real-time hazard reporting app, drones for aerial surveillance, and body cameras with thermal functions for compliance and emergency monitoring. According to him, these tools will enable the government to predict risks, identify trends, and act proactively.

“However, government cannot do it alone,” he added. “The safety of Lagos is the responsibility of every stakeholder from public institutions and private enterprises to civil society, academia, and citizens. Safety must be seen not as a cost but as an investment in sustainability and human dignity.”

Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, emphasized that public safety remains a top priority for the administration. “Every Lagosian deserves to live, work, and move freely without fear,” he said, noting that the LASOSH conference provides a platform for policymakers and industry leaders to exchange ideas and review progress.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), Mr. Lanre Mojola, disclosed that compliance levels have improved significantly across the state, reducing the need for enforcement. He highlighted ongoing regulatory work in areas such as construction safety, swimming pool control, dangerous goods, and transportation particularly given Lagos’ status as a key logistics hub.

Mojola also announced the introduction of 28 new Occupational Safety Officers, describing the initiative as the first in Africa. He added that over 20,000 facilities have registered under the Government Property Identification System (GPIS) and that the Commission is now leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to predict safety risks before they occur.

The event, themed “A Greater Lagos Rising: Institutionalising Safety Through Innovation and Technology,” reaffirmed the state’s leadership in setting safety benchmarks for Africa’s rapidly urbanising cities.