Nigerian Government Takes Action to Curb Sudden Deaths Among Civil Servants

In a bid to address the alarming surge in sudden deaths among civil servants, the Nigerian Government, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), is implementing measures to tackle preventable Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDS) among the workforce.

During a one-day training workshop for 500 officers in the Federal Civil Service on Wednesday, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation emphasized the government’s commitment to optimizing the health and wellbeing of its employees. The initiative includes providing mental health, behavioral health, and general health counseling services.

Mahmud Adam Kambari, the Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office (SWO), expressed concern over the rising mortality rate among civil servants. He stressed the urgent need to address preventable NCDS and sudden deaths, citing a sobering reality observed through death notifications for benefit claims.

“As I review the several death notifications that come to my desk every day for death benefit claims, a glaring truth emerges—the need to address preventable Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDS) and sudden deaths amongst the workforce is of paramount necessity,” Kambari stated.

He highlighted the global challenge of non-communicable diseases and emphasized the importance of educating officers on healthy living and wellness. Kambari assured that the government is fully committed to the safety and health of civil servants, considering it both a policy statement and a moral obligation.

Dr. Comfort Adeosun, the Director of Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment (OHSE) in the OHCSF, underscored the vital role of workplace wellness in employee wellbeing and organizational efficiency. She pointed out the significant connection between personal wellness and overall productivity. The government’s proactive measures aim to create a healthier and more productive civil service workforce.