A Legacy of Leadership in Workplace Health

For over four decades, SOEHPON has provided unwavering leadership in protecting the health of Nigeria’s workforce. As the nature of work and environmental exposure continues to evolve, SOEHPON has remained at the forefront—advocating for policies, setting professional standards, and enhancing local capacity to meet global benchmarks in occupational health.

Its membership comprises highly trained professionals who serve in diverse sectors including oil and gas, manufacturing, health care, academia, government agencies, and private consultancy. Through their collective efforts, SOEHPON members have significantly influenced the occupational health landscape in Nigeria and across Africa.

Policy Influence and Technical Contributions

SOEHPON plays an active role in shaping Nigeria’s occupational health framework through policy development and technical support:

• It served as technical consultant to the 9th Nigerian National Assembly in drafting a National Occupational Health Policy, marking a pivotal contribution to public health legislation in Nigeria.

• In partnership with the now-defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), SOEHPON developed comprehensive guidelines for occupational health practices in the Nigerian oil and gas industry between 2016 and 2018—guidelines still regarded as a reference across sectors.

• SOEHPON also works in close collaboration with federal and state government bodies to ensure workplace health initiatives are implemented and sustained across all tiers.

Training and Capacity Building

SOEHPON has shown outstanding commitment to capacity building, especially in a country where occupational health remains a developing field:

• Over the past 20 years, the Society has co-organized an annual two-week intensive course for occupational health practitioners in collaboration with the Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan. This has contributed to a steady stream of trained professionals entering the workforce.

• In collaboration with the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, the Society of Occupational Medicine (UK), and supported by Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET), SOEHPON conducted district-level training for healthcare practitioners across Oyo State—training over 150 frontline workers.

Such initiatives underscore SOEHPON’s commitment to building a robust workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills required to promote health and safety in all sectors of the economy.

Engagements, Events, and Advocacy

SOEHPON actively drives awareness and professional exchange through:

• An Annual International Scientific Conference, attracting experts from Nigeria and abroad. The conference serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, research dissemination, and policy advocacy.

• An annual Health & Safety @ Work Roadshow every April, which promotes workplace safety awareness among employers and employees in various states.

• Public health campaigns and stakeholder engagements—such as its recent role in supporting the 2024 Lagos State Yellow Fever Vaccination Campaign, ensuring vaccine access for workers at their job sites.

Global Affiliations

SOEHPON is not an isolated actor. It is a proud member of several global occupational health bodies including:

• ARAOH – African Regional Association of Occupational Health

• ICOH – International Commission on Occupational Health

• IOMSC – International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative

• ACOEM – American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

These partnerships have allowed SOEHPON members to participate in international conferences, contribute to global research, and bring global best practices back to the Nigerian context. In 2025, several SOEHPON members were inducted as Fellows of ACOEM, further strengthening its international footprint.

Organizational Structure and Governance

SOEHPON operates under a well-defined governance structure that includes:

• A 7-member Board of Trustees (BoT)

• A 9-member National Executive Committee (NEC)

These bodies provide strategic leadership and oversee policy implementation, member engagement, and regional coordination through zonal and state chapters.

Vision for the Future

As work environments become more complex and environmental risks grow, SOEHPON remains committed to:

• Strengthening occupational and environmental health policy in Nigeria

• Enhancing member capacity through structured training

• Broadening public and private sector partnerships

• Deepening regional and international collaboration

• Promoting evidence-based practice and local research

By championing preventive health measures in the workplace and advocating for environmental stewardship, SOEHPON continues to play an essential role in safeguarding the health and productivity of Nigeria’s workforce.