Kogi State Government has commenced a statewide sensitisation campaign aimed at protecting workers and workplaces against kidnapping, banditry and other security threats across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka, disclosed this during a one-day sensitisation meeting on workplace security held at a Local Government Secretariat as part of activities scheduled from August 31 to September 14, 2026.
The programme, themed “Workplace Security: Prevention, Protection, Sensitization and Preparedness Against Banditry and Kidnapping,” is designed to equip workers, employers, labour unions and other stakeholders with strategies for preventing and responding to security threats.
Edoka said the initiative was necessary because insecurity had become a major threat to workers, productivity and economic development, noting that employees in schools, hospitals, transportation and other critical sectors increasingly face security risks while performing their duties.
ALSO READ: NSUK ASUU strike: Students appeal for early resolution of impasse
He said organised labour, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), had consistently raised concerns over the impact of insecurity on decent work and the safety of workers.
According to him, the scale of insecurity requires a collective response involving government, employers, labour organisations, workers and security agencies.
Edoka highlighted measures taken by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration to strengthen security in Kogi State, describing them as a model that could be adapted to workplace security.
He cited the establishment of the 21 Battalion Barracks in Anyigba, the deployment of Forest Guards, acquisition of security equipment, integration of vigilantes and hunters into the security architecture, establishment of a Quick Response Unit and deployment of combat drones as some of the measures taken by the administration.
He also noted the collaboration between Kogi and neighbouring states, particularly along vulnerable border corridors, as crucial to tackling crimes that transcend state boundaries.
The Special Adviser said the state government’s approach demonstrated the importance of political will, investment in security infrastructure, community participation, inter-state collaboration and support for victims of criminal attacks.
He explained that the workplace security campaign would be anchored on four key pillars: prevention, protection, sensitisation and preparedness.
On prevention, Edoka urged workplaces to conduct regular security audits, strengthen perimeter fencing, control access to premises, verify employees and visitors, and maintain close contact with security agencies.
He said protection would involve strengthening security arrangements in schools, hospitals, offices, factories and other workplaces, while ensuring that emergency response plans, evacuation routes and direct communication channels with security agencies were established.
The Special Adviser further called for greater security awareness among workers, urging them to identify and report suspicious activities and observe personal safety measures while travelling to and from work.
He said workers would also be trained on internal workplace security, first aid, emergency response and community intelligence sharing.
On preparedness, Edoka stressed the need for workplaces to have clearly defined emergency response procedures and conduct regular security drills and simulations.
He also advocated the establishment of emergency communication networks and rapid response structures at the local government level.
Edoka urged employers to treat workers’ safety as a core responsibility and invest adequately in security infrastructure.
He appealed to labour unions to partner with government in sensitising their members, while urging workers to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities to relevant authorities.
He also commended security agencies for their sacrifices and assured them of continued government support through equipment, logistics and intelligence.
The Special Adviser declared that the state government would not be intimidated by criminals, stressing that a secure environment was essential for workers to perform effectively, businesses to thrive and investors to have confidence in the state.
He called for sustained cooperation among government, labour, employers, communities and security agencies to ensure safer workplaces, roads and communities across Kogi State.
Similar visits have been made to Kabba Bunu and Ijumu, Okehi and Adavi Local Government Areas.