The Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Practitioners of Nigeria (SOEHPON) is once again at the helm of national discourse with its annual international conference—a defining event that brings together professionals, academics, regulators, worker unions, and corporate stakeholders committed to workplace health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

The 2025 edition of the conference, slated for December, is themed:

“Advancing Occupational & Environmental Health Practice in Nigeria”

— a theme both bold and timely, reflecting the nation’s growing need for resilient health systems within workplaces and beyond.

Unpacking the Theme and Subthemes

This year’s conference is structured around three forward-looking subthemes, which together form a triad of transformation for the profession:

1. Application of Data in OEH Practice
   Highlighting the pivotal role of data-driven decision-making in workplace risk assessment, surveillance, and preventive interventions.
2. Sustainable OEH Practices for National Development
   Emphasising the link between long-term economic growth and institutionalised occupational and environmental health systems.
3. Research and Audit in OEH Practice
   Promoting evidence-based practice and internal evaluation mechanisms to improve policy compliance, worker protection, and accountabilit

   Why This Conference Matters

In the face of rising workplace complexities—from climate-induced hazards and industrial automation to public health emergencies—the conference offers a timely platform to:

• Reimagine the role of OEH in shaping a healthier workforce
• Reinforce regulatory reforms and compliance frameworks
• Drive policy influence from a practitioner-informed perspective
• Facilitate intersectoral partnerships for sustainable action

Impact on the Profession

The Conference will be a pivotal moment for reflection, learning, and professional growth. Participants will emerge inspired, informed, and better equipped to shape the future of occupational and environmental health in Nigeria.

• Gain hands-on exposure to modern OEH tools, including data analytics, digital health platforms, and audit frameworks
• Engage in cross-sector learning from industry case studies, research panels, and government-led initiatives
• Collaborate on national and regional strategies for improving OEH education, certification, and practice regulation
• Position themselves for leadership roles in Nigeria’s evolving health and safety architecture

Impact on Workers and Workplace Welfare

The benefits of this conference will flow downstream to workers and workplaces across Nigeria. Outcomes will include:

• Improved workplace safety standards and health protections
• Stronger employer-employee collaboration on risk reduction
• More efficient incident reporting and response systems
• Greater public awareness of OEH as a public good and development enabler

A Defining Moment for Practitioners

At its heart, this year’s conference is a reaffirmation of SOEHPON’s mandate: to protect lives, uphold professional standards, and promote a culture of care in every Nigerian workplace. With the spotlight on data, sustainability, and research, practitioners are being challenged to rise, rethink, and lead.

As the curtains rise on “Advancing Occupational & Environmental Health Practice in Nigeria,” all eyes will be on the collective resolve of practitioners to transform today’s insights into tomorrow’s safer workplaces.