By Victor Ahiuma-Young

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, has raised fresh concern over the condition of Nigerian workers, declaring that “the nation’s workforce is bleeding and urgently needs stronger protection.” 

The governor’s position came as the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, stormed Rivers State with compensation cheques totaling N75,840,194.73 for families of deceased employees and victims of workplace accidents.

A statement by NSITF, informed that Fubara who spoke when he  received NSITF delegation, said the tragic cases being compensated were stark reminders of the urgent reforms needed to safeguard workers across the country. 

He hailed the Fund’s intervention but insisted that such payouts underline deeper systemic failures in workplace safety.

According to the governor: “These families are not just numbers on a cheque. They are evidence that our workers pay too high a price. We must build a nation where no one leaves home for work and fails to return alive.”

Governor Fubara reiterated that the tragedies behind the payouts should spur employers, regulators, and government at all levels into action.”We must protect those who build this nation. Their labour fuels our economy, and their lives must not continue to be cut short by preventable workplace dangers,” he added.

Leading the delegation, NSITF Managing Director and Chief Executive, Oluwaseun Faleye, delivered the largest cheque—N54,642,194.73—to the dependants of a Depthwize Nigeria Limited employee who drowned when a drilling rig collapsed on August 15, 2023. The deceased, a young father, left behind a dependent wife and four children. Faleye conveyed the Fund’s condolences and expressed hope that the financial support “brings some measure of comfort during this difficult time.” 

He added that the family would also receive monthly death benefits of N2,023,784.09 until the youngest child turns 21 in 2042.

Depthwize representative, Orela Okulue, commended the NSITF for easing the claims process and providing timely support to the bereaved family, calling the intervention a lifeline in a moment of deep crisis.

The team then proceeded to Daewoo Nigeria Limited, where Faleye presented another cheque of N13,197,077.34 to an employee whose left leg was amputated following an automobile accident in March 2022. The amount covers medical expense refunds (N8,481,560) and disability benefits (N4,715,517.34). The beneficiary is also entitled to monthly payments until 2033 when he turns 55. Daewoo’s General Manager, Mr. Akabo Clement Abrakasa, applauded the Fund for standing with workers when tragedy strikes.

A third cheque of N8,001,095.64 was presented to an NSITF employee who suffered a dislocated knee in a workplace accident. 

Faleye sympathized with the staff member and admitted that delays in claims processing often stem from late reporting and the detailed investigations required. He assured that his leadership is committed to making NSITF a world-class social protection agency.

One of the beneficiaries—an NSITF staff—praised the Fund for coming to her aid in a difficult period, saying the current management has “made NSITF come alive again.”

NSITF’s visit to Rivers underscored not only its commitment to fulfilling its mandate but also the rising political demand for decisive reforms to protect Nigerian workers.