By JOAN NWAGWU

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has expressed concern over more than 150 construction site accident-related deaths recorded in 2024.

Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, Managing Director of NSITF, said this during his presentation at the 69th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Faleye, it is a sobering reality that Nigeria experiences an average of 50 to 70 major construction accidents annually, including building collapses, falls and machinery-related injuries.

“The Nigerian Safety Commission reported over 150 fatalities linked to construction site accidents last year alone,” he said.

Faleye said that the accidents underscored the importance of prevention and stronger health and safety protocols.

He added that strengthening safety involved rigorous audits, compliance with standards and continuous capacity building to protect workers at all times.

He, therefore, urged construction companies to work with NSITF’s Health, Safety and Environment team on audits, training and interventions.

He added that a proactive safety culture was vital to preventing future tragedies.

The NSITF boss noted that embedding safety and welfare in every project would ensure sustainable growth in the industry.

“NSITF remains dedicated to supporting safety initiatives through audits, certification processes and enforcement of standards.

“This is because a resilient construction industry depends on a healthy, protected workforce,” Faleye said. (NAN)