By Victor Ahiuma-Young

In a strategic move to expand Nigeria’s 

social protection safety net, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, has announced a partnership with the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ.

The collaboration aims at increasing public awareness about the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, ECS, and its benefits, ensuring that more Nigerians are covered by the country’s social insurance programme.

The partnership also focuses on including workers from the informal economy, a significant part of Nigeria’s labour force, into the NSITF’s social insurance scheme. This is a crucial step in ensuring that more workers, regardless of their sector, benefit from the safety nets provided by the ECS.

During a visit by the executive team of the NUJ FCT Chapter to the NSITF corporate headquarters, the Managing Director of NSITF, Olawaseun Faleye, emphasized the importance of workplace safety and compliance with the ECS.

He particularly urged journalists to advocate for these issues, considering the high risks associated with their profession.

Faleye explained that the collaboration between NSITF and NUJ is vital, saying, “The partnership is framed as a mutual effort to serve the public interest and improve service delivery.”

He acknowledged the critical role that journalists play in disseminating information, which is crucial for raising awareness of key issues like worker compensation and safety.

The NSITF Managing Director stressed the significance of the NUJ’s involvement in expanding public knowledge about the work of the Fund.

“Journalists shape public understanding, and we aim to increase awareness of NSITF’s role in securing workers,” he explained.

According to him, expanding the scheme to include workers from the informal economy is a key area of focus for NSITF.

Faleye elaborated on this initiative, stressing the large economic impact of the informal sector in Nigeria and how the NSITF plans to reach out to this group.

He said, “NSITF is planning to collaborate with NUJ FCT to launch awareness campaigns, provide workplace safety training, and carry out risk assessments in both formal and informal sectors. This initiative will help ensure that more workers are brought under the coverage of the ECS.

“We are working to speed up the payment process for claims and compensation, making it easier for contributors and their families to access benefits. The NSITF is also simplifying the registration process to include more people in the scheme.”

The NSITF MD also emphasized the importance of partnerships like the one with the NUJ, which helps the Fund expand its reach.

“The informal economy is a large part of our economy, and we must find ways to bring these workers into the scheme,” he said.

Faleye expressed gratitude for the NUJ’s willingness to collaborate, recognizing that the media plays a key role in information dissemination. “We welcome this partnership, as it will help us reach a wider audience and ensure accurate, unbiased information is shared with the public. More people and organizations need to understand the benefits of being part of the scheme.

“Journalism can be a risky profession, with reporters often traveling to dangerous locations. It’s crucial for unions to ensure that journalists’ employers are compliant with NSITF, as the scheme provides essential safety and compensation benefits,” he said.

In line with this, the MD said the NSITF plans to work closely with the NUJ to create a joint public awareness campaign, provide workplace safety training, and carry out risk assessments for journalists. “Your work is vital, and we want to ensure you are protected,” Faleye stressed.

He emphasized the mutual respect and transparency that should underpin the collaboration, adding “As we work together, let’s stay focused on our shared goal of serving the public and protecting workers.”

Earlier, Grace Ike, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, thanked NSITF for its leadership in providing social safety nets for Nigerian workers.

“We appreciate your commitment to promoting workplace safety and occupational health standards,” she said, underscoring the union’s support for the ECS.

Ike noted that the NUJ is keen on partnering with NSITF to educate employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities under the ECS.

“This partnership will help increase accessibility to NSITF services and raise awareness about the benefits of the Employees’ Compensation Act,” she said.

The NUJ representatives also suggested joint public awareness campaigns and media initiatives to enhance the visibility of NSITF services.

“By collaborating with NSITF, we can ensure that more workers, particularly those in the informal sector, are aware of their rights and the protection available to them,” Ike added.

Other NUJ FCT executive members present at the meeting included the Vice Chairman, Comrade Yahaya Ndambabo, Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, Treasurer, Comrade Sandra Udeike, and media team members such as News Editor Ebriku John Friday and Mahmud Isa