*Aligns with NSITF to secure workers’ future

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

LAGOS — In a major step toward strengthening workers’ welfare and institutional accountability, the Lagos State Government has announced the full implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, ECS, aligning with the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, to provide structured protection for employees across the state.

The development followed a high-level engagement between the management of NSITF, led by its Managing Director/Chief Executive, Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, and the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, during a courtesy visit aimed at establishing a clear pathway for the scheme’s rollout.

Faleye disclosed that the Fund is fully prepared to support Lagos State in setting up the necessary institutional framework to drive the initiative. According to him, the collaboration will include technical onboarding, advisory support, widespread sensitisation across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, Local Government Areas, LGAs, as well as claims processing and occupational health interventions.

He stressed the need for immediate alignment to sustain momentum, calling for the designation of a coordinating authority, nomination of a technical focal person, and the commencement of a joint technical session within the next two weeks.

Describing Lagos as a strategic partner, Faleye noted the state’s large and diverse workforce, strong administrative systems, and its alignment with development priorities under the THEMES+ Agenda, particularly in governance, economic sustainability, and health.

“At this stage, our objective is practical and implementation-focused: to establish a coordination structure between Lagos State and NSITF, and to agree on immediate next steps for seamless onboarding,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of the scheme, Faleye explained that the ECS provides structured compensation for employees in cases of workplace injury, disease, disability, or death, while also offering a framework for managing employer liabilities and promoting occupational safety.

He added that the scheme directly supports key pillars of the state’s development agenda by protecting the workforce that drives productivity, enhancing institutional compliance, and promoting safer work environments.

From an operational standpoint, he identified workforce data, a contribution structure pegged at one percent of payroll, and strong institutional coordination as critical pillars for effective implementation.
Faleye further proposed integrating NSITF compliance requirements into existing state processes such as contract bidding, contractor prequalification, and public procurement systems to ensure wider adherence and accountability.

Responding, the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, expressed appreciation for the initiative and promptly announced the state’s readiness to fully implement the scheme. He confirmed the establishment of a dedicated unit within the state to oversee its administration.

The move is widely seen as a significant milestone in safeguarding workers’ rights and enhancing social protection mechanisms in Lagos, setting a precedent for other states to follow.