Over 150 Construction Deaths in 2024: NSITF Boss Calls for Urgent Safety Overhaul

By Chinedu Echianu

Nigeria’s construction sector has recorded more than 150 deaths from site accidents in 2024, a grim statistic that underscores the urgent need for stronger safety standards.

Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, raised the alarm while delivering a keynote address as special guest of honour at the 69th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) in Abuja on Wednesday.

“It is a sobering reality that Nigeria experiences an average of 50 to 70 major construction accidents annually—ranging from building collapses to falls and machinery-related injuries,” Faleye said. “The Nigerian Safety Commission reported over 150 fatalities from construction site accidents last year alone.”

Faleye stressed that “prevention is better than cure”, urging construction firms to adopt proactive safety measures. He highlighted the importance of rigorous safety audits, strict compliance with industry standards, and continuous training to reduce risks before they escalate into tragedies.

“A proactive safety culture, where risks are identified and mitigated early, is essential to preventing needless loss of life,” he said, while advocating for collective effort in embedding safety and welfare into every project.

He encouraged companies to collaborate with NSITF’s Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) team on audits, capacity building, and other interventions. According to him, prioritising worker protection not only saves lives but also strengthens industry resilience and sustainable growth.

“NSITF remains dedicated to supporting safety initiatives through regular audits, certification processes, and enforcement of standards—because a resilient construction industry depends on a healthy, protected workforce,” he added.

The FOCI AGM brought together leading construction industry players, top government officials, and key stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening Nigeria’s construction sector.