By Henry Ojelu

Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, Mr. Oluwaseun Faleye, on Wednesday, urged Lagos State Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to ensure the full implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, ECS, to strengthen workforce protection and improve institutional accountability across the public service.

Faleye said the scheme would provide structured support for civil servants exposed to workplace accidents, occupational diseases, disabilities and other work-related risks, while reinforcing government’s responsibility toward workers’ welfare.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme for Lagos State MDAs in Lagos, Faleye described the initiative as a major milestone in the collaboration between the NSITF and the Lagos State Government.

According to him, the decision by the state government to fully implement the Employees’ Compensation Scheme across the public service reflected a deliberate commitment to protecting workers and strengthening governance structures.

“This session is not just another meeting. It is the direct outcome of a strategic engagement between the NSITF and the Lagos State Government, which resulted in a clear decision to fully implement the Employees’ Compensation Scheme across the State Public Service,” he said.

Faleye explained that the programme was designed to equip Employee Relations Officers and administrative heads across MDAs with the knowledge required for effective implementation of the scheme.

He stressed that the success of the initiative would depend largely on how effectively the officers responsible for administration and employee welfare execute the framework.

“The theme of this programme recognises that while policies provide structure, it is people who give them life. Your role is not secondary; it is central to the success of this initiative,” he said.

The NSITF boss noted that the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, established under the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010, provides protection for workers against workplace injuries, occupational diseases, disabilities and death arising in the course of employment.

He said the scheme covers medical treatment, rehabilitation services, compensation for temporary or permanent disability and financial support for dependants of deceased workers.

“At its core, the Scheme represents a commitment that when the unexpected occurs, the system will respond with clarity, structure and responsibility,” he added.

Faleye stated that Lagos State already possesses strong institutional frameworks, organised payroll systems and administrative structures capable of supporting seamless implementation of the scheme.

According to him, effective implementation would require accurate data management, clearly defined contribution structures and strong coordination across MDAs.

He expressed confidence that full implementation of the scheme would improve workforce confidence, strengthen risk management and further position Lagos as a model for public sector administration in Nigeria.

“When this Scheme is fully implemented, the benefits to Lagos State will be substantial. It will result in a workforce that operates with a stronger sense of security and assurance, and a governance structure that manages risk in a proactive and structured manner,” he said.

Faleye also assured participants that the NSITF would continue to provide technical and operational support to all MDAs throughout the implementation process.

“Ultimately, this initiative is not just about compliance. It is about people. It is about ensuring that those who serve the system are, in turn, protected by the system,” he said.