•Targets better compensation, safer workplaces in 2027

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has renewed its call for stronger protection for Nigerian workers, urging government agencies to deepen collaboration to improve workers’ welfare, productivity and social security.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, made the call on Thursday in Abuja while delivering his goodwill message at the Technical Retreat on Presidential Priority, Ministerial Deliverables and Performance Management System (PMS).

Faleye commended the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for organising the retreat, describing it as an important platform for dialogue, coordination and the exchange of ideas among agencies with shared institutional responsibilities.

“I commend the Ministry for providing this platform for dialogue, coordination and the exchange of ideas, such engagements are important because the effectiveness of public service delivery depends not only on the performance of individual institutions, but also on how well we work together,” he said.

Represented at the retreat by his Technical Assistant, Dayo Aloa, the NSITF boss said the Ministry of Labour and the Fund shared a common responsibility to deliver public value, strengthen institutions and improve the welfare and security of Nigerians.

Faleye explained that the Fund administers the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS), established under the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010, which provides compensation and support for employees and their dependants in cases of work-related injuries, occupational diseases, disabilities and death.

“At the heart of this mandate is a simple but important principle: no worker or family should be left without support when a qualifying workplace incident disrupts their livelihood and future,” he said.

He emphasised that workers’ welfare is closely linked to national productivity, industrial harmony and sustainable economic development, noting that employees who feel protected are better positioned to contribute meaningfully to their workplaces.

According to him, the Fund’s responsibilities extend beyond processing claims and paying compensation to include sustained engagement with employers and workers, increased awareness of the Scheme, improved compliance with statutory obligations and a stronger commitment to workplace health and safety.

“We must remain focused on making the Scheme accessible, responsive, transparent and effective for those entitled to its protection,” he stressed.

The NSITF managing director further called for stronger inter-agency cooperation, arguing that no single institution could independently address all the challenges associated with workers’ welfare, employment protection, workplace safety and social security.

He urged public institutions to reduce duplication of efforts, share knowledge and develop more coordinated responses to challenges affecting Nigerian workers and employers.

“I therefore see this meeting as an opportunity to deepen our working relationships, identify practical areas of collaboration and strengthen the alignment between our respective programmes and priorities,” he noted.

Looking ahead to 2027, Faleye reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to strengthening the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, improving service delivery, promoting employer compliance and advancing workplace safety.

“As we deliberate on our institutional responsibilities and targets, we should remain mindful that the ultimate measure of our success is not merely the activities we undertake, but the tangible improvements our work delivers to the people we serve,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and other participating agencies for their contributions to public service delivery.

Faleye also expressed hope that the retreat would produce fruitful deliberations and practical outcomes capable of strengthening collaboration, improving workers’ welfare and building a more productive and secure Nigeria.