The Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria (SOEHPON) has outlined a renewed agenda to elevate the practice of occupational and environmental health nationwide, as it prepares for its 2025 Annual International Scientific Conference, Exhibitions and AGM.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos to flag off activities for the event, SOEHPON President, Dr Musa Shaibu, said the Society is intensifying efforts to strengthen workplace health systems and promote safer, more productive work environments across the country.
He appealed to regulators, industry leaders, international partners and the media to deepen collaboration in addressing emerging and persistent threats facing Nigerian workplaces.
Dr Shaibu noted that increased media engagement has significantly enhanced the Society’s visibility and expanded national discourse on worker safety.
He warned, however, that the profession must remain responsive to rising industrial risks, the impact of climate change, emerging chemical exposures, automation and recurrent disease outbreaks in various sectors.
The 2025 conference, themed “Advancing the Practice of Occupational and Environmental Health in Nigeria”, will focus on three core strategic areas: the use of data to support evidence-based risk assessment and workplace surveillance; sustainable OEH practices as a driver of long-term economic growth; and research and audit to boost accountability, standardisation and policy execution.
He said the expected outcomes include improved workplace safety standards, better cooperation between employers and employees, stronger incident-prevention systems and increased public awareness of OEH as a key component of national productivity.
The conference is slated for 1–4 December 2025 at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, and will attract experts from across Nigeria and the global occupational health community.
Other key members of the Society, including the Scientific Sub-Committee Chairman, Dr Anyanate Ephraim; National Vice President, Dr Lanre Ajayi; National PRO, Dr Charles Babajide Onigbogi; and Admin Head, Mrs Adetutu Omoba, also urged the media to continue supporting efforts to promote workplace safety and wellbeing.
Founded in 1978, SOEHPON remains the umbrella body for occupational health practitioners within and outside Nigeria, driving advocacy, capacity development, global partnerships and stakeholder engagement in the sector.
