LADOL Free Zone, which bagged ISO Certification December 2018, being the first to achieve the feat in West Africa.

Nigeria’s first and only 100 per cent private and indigenous industrial Free Zone, LADOL has commenced its annual safety week. This is the first time the company has held this event  as part of measures to highlight it’s safety best practices, share learning with stakeholders and new targets for safety in the coming year.

Managing Director of LADOL, Dr. Amy Jadesimi stated “Safety and quality are at the heart of best business practices. While growing LADOL we always put in place these policies, procedures and work instructions needed to ensure quality and safety for ourselves and our clients. This week is a celebration of our many achievements, including becoming the first company in West and North Africa to be ISO 45001 certified. The week is also a call to action as we have to continuously improve and reach greater heights each year. Thank you to all our staff and stakeholders for your years of hard work and support.”

Speaking at the opening day of the event, LADOL’s Executive Director Business Development, Mr. Jide Jadesimi who signed the safety commitment banner said safety remains at the core of the company’s operations, “Because of the importance of this event and safe practice in the company, other personal engagements have to be put on hold. I want everyone to see themselves as safety champions. LADOL has reached a stage where we’ve grown to meet and exceed international standards, due to the hard work and talent of our staff and the support of our stakeholders. Well done to everyone for bringing your hearts and minds to everything we are doing,”

Mr. Obi Mac-Arthur, LADOL’s SHEQ Manager said that high safety culture is the cheapest and most effective insurance policy stressing that Safety isn’t a hobby, it’s a living.

He said that the choice of the theme for this year’s safety week “Making Safe Choices” was born out of the need to continuously inculcate positive safety culture, ensuring Zero risk tolerance in all operations.

“This year’s event is unique as it coincides with the launch of “LADOL’s Employee Continuous learning Centre”. I want to emphasise one of the core truths about safety. It is a job not just for people who have “safety” in their title. It’s a job for everyone, everywhere, every day. It never stops. It takes all of us to think about safety and to actively discuss these issues in order to reach the next level” Mac-Arthur said.

The event Featured safety quiz, safety puzzle, safety games all emphasizing teamwork and Safe systems of work, Drama, team Dances, Fitness and Health Checks; occupational H&S speech on “MAKING SAFE CHOICES by and OH&S professional; Mr. Abiodun Gbalaho (CSP,GradIOSH) and short occupational talk by the company’s HMO.

Using the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals SDGs to build a unique circular ecosystem, servicing a range of industries, LADOL is building the world’s first Sustainable Industrial Special Economic Zone SSEZ.

The Zone was developed out of a disused swamp and has been operational since 2006. Every year since then the infrastructure and facilities have grown and expanded. The Zone now provides a 24/7 efficient, safe and secure location from which local and international companies, in a range of sectors can start operating immediately.

The company had in 2017 disrupted the local oil and gas market by reducing the costs of local support by half, leading to the creation of thousands of local jobs.

LADOL is currently focused on attracting and servicing a range of non-oil and gas companies, in sectors ranging from technology to agriculture. The sectors identified will work together to create a circular economy within the Zone.

Given that West Africa is one of the largest under-served markets in the world with the fastest growing population, industrial companies working in LADOL can now service this market sustainably and profitably, while creating tens of thousands of jobs. As the local market grows there will be higher demand for locally produced products, a larger skilled workforce and cheaper domestic operating costs.

The company is also becoming the blueprint for Sustainable Industrialisation of Africa, turning Africa’s demographic dividend into a global driver of peace and prosperity.