Faleye Partners Gov. Kefas on Employees' Compensation Scheme Compliance, Seeks Urgent Action

Governor Kefas of Taraba State (left), receiving an award from Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, MD/CE NSITF 

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF),  Barrister Oluwaseun  Faleye, has called for deeper institutional collaboration between the Fund and the Taraba State Government to strengthen the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).

Barr. Faleye (right), with Barr. Samaila Abdu, ED Admin NSITF, decorating Governor Kefas Agbu 

Faleye, who led a delegation of the Fund on a courtesy visit to Governor of Taraba State at the Governor's office in Jalingo on Thursday, said the engagement was far from ceremonial, describing it as part of a deliberate strategy to build structured partnerships with "progressive state governments committed to workers' welfare and institutional sustainability."

The MD/CE emphasized that the Employees’ Compensation Scheme is not merely a statutory obligation but a critical social protection instrument that guarantees dignity for workers and stability for employers.  

"When a worker is injured, disabled or loses his life in the course of duty, the response of government defines public trust and reinforces confidence in leadership,” Falaye said, noting that expanding ECS coverage aligns directly with the governor’s welfare-driven agenda as he commended Governor Kefas on his commitment to workers' welfare.

(l-r), Barr. Faleye, Barr. Abdu, and GM/TA MD Office, Dr. Dayo Alao.

The NSITF boss stressed the need to move beyond dialogue to measurable outcomes and proposed practical steps that would expand ECS compliance across state MDAs, intensify sensitization of major employers, and contractors operating in Taraba, and strengthen workplace safety and compensation awareness across the state.

To ensure structure and accountability, Faleye suggested a focal ministry or designated official to coordinate engagement with the NSITF.

“If it pleases Your Excellency, we can immediately set up a joint technical interface between your designated team and ours to develop a short implementation roadmap within the next few weeks,” he said, adding that the Fund has already established an internal Strategic Inter-Agency Coordination (SIAC) framework to track timelines and deliverables arising from such engagements.

Faleye highlighted the mutual benefits of strengthened ECS coverage, noting that it would protect workers, reduce employers’ litigation exposure, promote industrial harmony and reinforce the administration’s commitment to structured social protection.

In a move aimed at institutionalizing compliance, the NSITF Managing Director recommended the integration of the ECS Compliance Certificate into the state’s public procurement and contracting processes. 

He explained that requiring evidence of NSITF compliance as part of documentation for contract bidding, pre-qualification for state projects, contractor registration and renewal, and public-private partnership engagements would not create new obligations but rather reinforce existing statutory requirements.

The approach, he added, would ensure that companies benefiting from public funds are also compliant in protecting their workers.

Faleye concluded by seeking clarity on the state’s preferred coordination structure, asking the governor to advise on which ministry or official the Fund should immediately work with to operationalize the collaboration.

Barrister Faleye then confirmed the Governor as the Ambassador for the Advocacy of ECS in Taraba State in particular, and the Northeast in general.

Responding, Governor Kefas assured that the state would key in into the ECS for betterment of the workers.

"Taraba state government is ready to partner with NSITF to ensure you fulfill your mandate by ensuring all workers are enrolled in the scheme. We would be working through our office of the Head of Service, Ministry of Finance and Ministry for Local Government,” he stated.

The governor, while welcoming the NSITF delegation, expressed his appreciation for the   "kind words on all the positive things you have noticed we are doing to improve the lives of our people."  

He revealed that "only recently we paid 5 billion Naira to pensioners in the state” and expressed optimism that "by the end of the year the state won't be owning any pensioners their entitlement."

"We would fulfill all obligations as regards the scheme in furtherance of our commitment to workers welfare.,” Governor Kefas promised.

On the confirmation of Ambassador for Advocacy of ECS in the state and the whole of Northeast region, the governor said "l want to assure you l am interested in this your mandate. l am interested to accept any assignment that would enhance this mandate in the interest of the country and workers in general."

Governor Kefas immediately set up a high powered committee to interface with NSITF to ensure Taraba state is ECS-compliant.

Bwari Area Council Elections Free, Fair, and Credible --INEC Accredited Observers.

A coalition of of observers in the Bwari Area Council Elections,: INEC Accredited Observers,  has validated the Councillorship  and Chairmanship Elections of February 21st, 2026 in the Area Council, describing it as free, fair and credible. 

Rev. Harvest Ighebo (Ph.D) flanked by Mr. Rasheed Shuaib and Mrs. Nandi Bernard at the press conference.

The coalition expressed this view at a press conference addressed by the leader of the group, Reverend Harvest Ighebo in Abuja on Tuesday. 

However, the coalition of observers rued the low turnout of voters, attributing it to the voters  lack of confidence in the political leadership. 

A section of leaders of INEC Accredited Election Observers' groups at the press conference 

"The entire exercise recorded poor voters Turnout. This apathy is largely due to the lack of voters trust in the political class." The coalition observed, as they urged the political actors to build up trust by proper representation through people-oriented governance. 

However, the coalition commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike for ensuring the proper environment for the exercise. 

Rev. Ighebo (centre), flanked by Alhaji Ali Abacha, (left) and Rev. Dr. Justin 

Furthermore, they commended security agencies for providing adequate security and traditional rulers for sensitising voters. 

Additionally, the coalition of observers praised the voters for orderly conduct during the voting exercise as they asserted that there were no incidence of violence or disorderly conduct in most polling units members of the coalition visited. 

The group described the exercise as " relatively peaceful in all its ramifications" 

The coalition said further thst "The integrated security of both the police, civil defence, and other sister agencies was another beauty to the exercise." 

On INEC's preparedness and deployment of materials, the group commended INEC for smart and timely distribution of materials which they said allowed the exercise to keep to schedule. 

"Accreditation and voting began at the scheduled time of 8:30 am and by 2:30 pm in most of the polling units, counting of votes were done without hitches." 

They further commended polling officials and their supervisors for displaying professionalism in their conduct which, they said reflected proper and adequate trainings by the electoral umpire. 

Summing up, the coalition said, "The Election observers who independently sponsored their workforce for this enormous and patriotic exercise without any financial support from the government and INEC Authorities. We deployed ourselves to all the Various Polling Units across the (10) Ten wards of the Area Council. From our observation, the Election was free, fair, peaceful and relatively credible, going by our unanimous assessment and evaluation."

The press conference was well attended by leaders of INEC Accredited Observers' groups, members of the press, and other stakeholders.

NSITF Reforms for Enhanced Performance.

Bart. Olúwaṣeun Faleye MD NSITF, (m), flanked by the ED Operations, Hon. Mojisolaoluwa Ali-Macauley (l), and ED Administration, Barr. Samaila Abdu 

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has set a new reform agenda aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s social security system, following its two-day 2026 Management Performance Review (MPR) meeting in Abuja.

The meeting, attended by top management of the Fund, was convened to assess the Fund’s performance in 2025 and chart a policy direction for improved service delivery and financial sustainability in the new year.

Group photograph of participants 

Discussions focused on reviewing regional performances, strengthening collaboration across branches, identifying operational challenges, and realigning the Fund towards greater efficiency and value delivery.

In his opening remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, had stressed the need for measurable results and renewed commitment to the Fund’s mandate. He outlined five strategic priorities for 2026 to include expanding coverage, especially in the private and informal sectors; improving the timeliness and transparency of claims processing; strengthening operational efficiency and financial discipline; deepening digital transformation; and upholding integrity and professionalism across the organisation. 

He had emphasized that the Fund must build trust among stakeholders while delivering tangible value to contributors and beneficiaries.

Resolutions from the regions focused largely on expanding coverage, improving compliance, reducing operational costs, and strengthening engagement with small and medium-scale enterprises as well as the informal sector. 

The meeting reviewed performances of regional and branch offices, and those of key departments and proffered solutions to identified issues. Some of the proposed solutions are creation of special teams to address abandoned files, improve new registrations, and rationalize cost-collection ratios. Others are stronger legal enforcement against recalcitrant employers, better deployment of staff and resources, performance-based incentives, and closer collaboration with stakeholders.

Recommendations emphasized digital transformation, improved claims processing, stronger governance, and enhanced stakeholder engagement amongst others.

Participants advocated unified databases, automated workflows, and real-time monitoring systems to speed up compensation delivery and increase transparency. 

They also recommended closer collaboration with agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Corporate Affairs Commission to boost contributions, alongside measures to promote staff welfare, diversity, and mental-health support.

Inclusion of the informal economy in the ECS formed a major point at the MPR, with participants calling for intensified sensitization, simplified processes, and partnerships with relevant agencies to expand coverage.

At the close of the meeting, management reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the resolutions with clear timelines, monitoring mechanisms, and accountability structures. 

Officials described the 2026 review as one driven to strengthen the Fund’s mandate, expand coverage, and restore confidence in the country’s social security system.

Human Capital, Our Greatest Asset at NSITF --Barr. Abdu,

Barrister Samaila Abdu, Executive Director Administration, NSITF 

As the annual management performance review,  (MPR) of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, (NSITF) entered the second day in Abuja, the Executive Director of Administration of the Fund, Barrister Sa'maila Abdu has posited that the most valuable asset of the organisation is the human capital.

In a speech to the gathering, Barrister Abdu said, "At the executive committee level, we are fully aware that the greatest resource the Fund possesses is not its financial capital, it is neither infrastructure, nor is it policies. It is its people. Our human capital, rich in creativity, skill, and dedication, is our most valuable asset. Each of you here today represents the strength, resilience, and potential of the NSITF."

He reaffirmed the management's commitment to extending needed support for the staff to excel saying that "this commitment will be demonstrated through purposeful leadership, transparent decision-making, and the creation of a work environment that is not only conducive but also inspiring, an environment where innovation thrives, collaboration is encouraged, and excellence is rewarded."

On the theme of the MPR the ED said, "The theme of this MPR: 'Reinforcing NSITF’s role in building trust and delivering values towards strengthening social security system' is both timely and deeply relevant. It speaks directly to our mission and to the expectations of those we serve. The realisation of this theme is inseparably tied to the achievement of our individual and collective targets. When we meet these targets, we do more than fulfill a mandate. We deliver tangible value, we reinforce the trust placed in us by stakeholders, and we contribute meaningfully to the strengthening of Nigeria’s social security system."

The ED enjoined participants to continue the rest of the exercise with "open mind, spirit of collaboration, and shared commitment to excellence."

NSITF prioritises MPR as a tool for successful delivery of its mandate. Aside the annual general MPR, a resolution of the MPR 2025 established bi-annual MPR at the regional level.

The gathering holding in Abuja from Thursday 12 to Friday 13 February, 2026 had members of the Fund's Exco, general managers, heads of departments, regional and branch managers in attendance.

NSITF Takes Stock, Opens New Outlets for Enhanced Service Delivery.

Barrister Faleye making a point at the meeting

Top management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), are gathered in Abuja to reflect on the performance of the Fund in the past one year and chart the course for 2026. 

At the annual Management Performance Review (MPR) holding from 12-13 February, 2026, the Fund's Managing Director and Chief Executive, Barrister Oluwaseun Falaye, said "This review is not a routine calendar event; it is a deliberate pause to reflect, to evaluate performance honestly, and to reset our priorities where necessary in order to deliver better outcomes for the institution and the people we serve." 

He urged the gathering to see themselves as Stakeholders who must continue to drive the success of the organisations bearing in mind it affects all. 

Hon. Mojisolaoluwa Ali-Macauley, ED Operations NSITF presenting her welcome address 

Reflecting on the importance of such appraisal, the MD said, "The session held last year in Lagos was a crucial moment for the Fund.It marked a shift in how we interrogate performance, moving away from assumptions and comfort zones toward clarity, responsibility, and measurable results. Decisions taken at that session set the tone for a more disciplined and outcome-driven approach to management across the organisation." 

"Since then, our actions have been purposeful. We have focused on strengthening operational structures, improving manpower alignment, expanding service presence, accelerating automation, and engaging more deliberately with key stakeholders. These steps reflect a clear strategic direction: repositioning NSITF as a responsive, credible, and value-driven social security institution that commands confidence and trust." 

A cross section of participants at the MPR 

Speaking to the theme of the MPR, Barrister Faleye said, "The theme of this year’s Review, “Reinforcing NSITF’s Role in Building Trust and Delivering Value Towards Strengthening the Social Security System”, goes to the core of our mandate. Trust is earned through consistency, transparency, and professionalism. Value is demonstrated when our processes work, when decisions are fair, and when outcomes meet expectations. Every interaction with employers, every inspection, every claim processed, and every decision taken by management either strengthens or weakens these two pillars." 

According to the Faleye, the meeting was expected to roll out performance targets for the future. 

Setting agenda for the MPR, he said, "As we deliberate, we must remain anchored on five strategic priorities: expanding coverage, particularly within the private and informal sectors; improving the timeliness and transparency of claims processing; strengthening operational efficiency and financial discipline; deepening digital transformation; and upholding integrity and professionalism across all levels of the Fund." 

He urged participants to hinge their presentation on facts and data and to be honest in self-appraisal. 

 

In her own welcome address, the Executive Director of Operations in the Fund, Honourable Mojisoluwa Ali-Macaulay, summed up the MPR as providing "a structured opportunity to assess how far we have come, evaluate the effectiveness of our execution, and identify areas where greater focus and discipline are required. It is also a platform to align our operational priorities with the Fund’s strategic objectives for 2026". 

"Over the past two years, we have worked deliberately to strengthen the operational foundations of the Fund; improving service delivery structures, aligning manpower with operational needs, deepening automation, and reinforcing performance monitoring at all levels. These efforts have been guided by a clear objective: to ensure that NSITF’s operations consistently translate policy into measurable value for employers and employees,” she stated. 

On the new outlets for compliance activities established by the Fund for easy access to NSITF officials, the ED Operations stated that new branches and service delivery centres have been established, adding that implementation of the solutions from the 2024 MPR were successful. 

Participating at the meeting are the MD, EDs, General Managers, Heads of Departments, Regional and Branch managers.

Fraud Allegations: Workers' Unions Defend NSITF Boss, Dismiss Allegations As Fabricated and Misleading.

Barrister Faleye, MD/CE NSITF 

Amid the furore generated by the recent allegations of financial fraud against the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, (NSITF), Barrister Olúwaṣeun Mayomi Faleye, two workers' unions  have come out strongly in defence of the embattled chief executive.

In a joint statement issued in Abuja Wednesday, the NSITF units of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, (ASSBIFI) and the National Union of Banks, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions Employees, (NUBIFIE) described the allegations as "dishonest, desperately concocted and misleading."

Sahara Reporters had, earlier in the week, published a story alleging among other things, that the MD arrogates to himself the "unlimited spending powers," and operates over a hundred bank accounts, claims the unions dismissed as "reckless distortion of facts, propelled by ulterior motives and and disgruntled persons who permanently act as saboteurs."

"For the avoidance of doubt, Barrister Faleye has led operations of NSITF on the basis of good corporate governance in line with the NSITF Act and Federal Financial Regulations since his appointment as MD/CE on 13th July, 2024,” they stated.

The statement by the unions reads further: "As relevant stakeholders that diligently seek due process and promote the social-economic welfare of the staff of NSITF, we wish to state without equivocation that the current Executive Management has demonstrated work empathy and run an open door policy where discussions and decisions are reached based on merit."

The unions explained that the Fund struggled before Faleye's appointment due to lack of management will. They asserted that "Barrister Faleye has been able to deploy effective methodologies to attract more contributions to the Fund.

"It is modest to state that the operations of NSITF has significantly improved with strategic efforts of the current Executive Management led by Barrister Faleye. In this short while, the Managing Director has been able to reinforce the core values of the Fund in terms of transparency and accountability, professional management and good corporate governance, human capital development, secured investment, social responsibility and advocacy without disregard for regulatory hierarchy."

The workers' unions went on to highlight some of the achievements of Barrister Faleye in the short time he has been at the Fund's helm of affairs to include, implementation of policies to enhance staff welfare, prompt payment of claims and compensations, and improved revenue.

Other achievements the unions listed to the credit of Barrister Faleye are, promotion of occupational health and safety, staff development, enhanced professionalism, accountability, and transparency,  24-hours call centre to interface with the public , and  promotion and maintenance of industrial peace and harmony.

They expressed their conviction that the Managing Director has shown he "has the potential to reposition NSITF to its deserving heights."  To realise this, they pledged their "unalloyed support for Barrister Faleye." 

The workers further resolved not to fold hands to allow "any desperate attempt to detail the progress the Fund is making" under Faleye's leadership.

"NSITF operates within a strict framework of accountability and remains committed to transparency and service improvement, the unions will not tolerate coordinated disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining public confidence and tarnishing the Fund's corporate integrity,” they vowed.

The unions further affirmed the Fund's commitment to achieving its mandate of providing adequate social protection for Nigerian workers as they urged the public to '"disregard the false publication in its entirety."

Furthermore, they called on well-meaning Nigerians to rise against petty and desperate individuals who are bent on crashing public institutions and tarnishing the integrity of industrious individual or their selfish gains.'

NSITF REFUTES FALSE AND MALICIOUS ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ITS MANAGING DIRECTOR/CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund has refuted allegations of corruption laid against its Managing Director, Barrister Olúwaṣeun Mayomi Faleye by Sahara Reporters.

Following is the verbatim statement of the Fund.

The Management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund has noted with concern a publication circulating in sections of the media alleging financial impropriety, abuse of office, and diversion of funds against the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Fund.

The NSITF categorically states that these allegations are false, malicious, and unsupported by verifiable facts, and appear to form part of a coordinated attempt to discredit the leadership of the Fund and undermine the far-reaching reforms currently underway.

The NSITF operates strictly within a clearly defined statutory, financial, and governance framework under the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA), 2010, the Public Finance Management laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and applicable Treasury, procurement, and audit regulations. All funds accruing to the Employees’ Compensation Fund are public trust funds, subject to multilayered internal controls, routine internal and external audits, Management Board oversight, and supervision by relevant government authorities.

At no time has the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer operated, controlled, or had access to NSITF funds outside the approved institutional banking structure of the Fund. NSITF monies are held exclusively in official Fund accounts, and all disbursements pass through established financial controls involving multiple officers, departments, and approval stages. Any suggestion that Fund resources were diverted into personal or non-Fund accounts is categorically false.

With regard to claims about the operation of multiple bank accounts linked to a single Bank Verification Number (BVN), it must be clearly stated that BVN linkage and account administration are regulated by deposit money banks and the Central Bank of Nigeria, not by individual discretion. The existence of multiple accounts, many of which are dormant, marked “Post-No-Debit,” or not operational, does not constitute evidence of wrongdoing. Crucially, no credible evidence has been produced showing that NSITF funds were paid into any personal or third-party account.

The allegation that the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer granted himself “unlimited approval authority” is also misleading and inaccurate. Internal approval frameworks within public institutions operate strictly within statutory financial regulations, procurement laws, and Board oversight. They do not override approval thresholds prescribed by government circulars, including those issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. No internal decision can lawfully supersede these statutory controls, and no single officer can unilaterally appropriate or expend public funds.

Claims that expenditures were made without Board approval further reflect a misunderstanding, or deliberate misrepresentation, of public financial administration. Board approval is required for policy direction and annual budgets, while operational expenditures are governed by established statutory and regulatory thresholds. The NSITF maintains comprehensive documentation of approvals, mandates, and supporting records, all of which remain available for lawful review by authorised oversight bodies.

On issues relating to vendor payments and commissions, the NSITF reiterates that all engagements under the current administration are undertaken in strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act and applicable regulations. Payments are tied to contractual obligations, services rendered, and statutory mandates. Any concerns are appropriately addressed through lawful audit and review processes, not through trial by media.

To our stakeholders and the Nigerian public, the Management of the NSITF recognises that the ongoing transformation of the Fund, its institutional rebirth, aggressive push for automation, recovery of long-standing debts, and digitisation of operations, has disrupted entrenched interests. Experience shows that when loopholes are closed, those who previously benefited from them often react loudly. Unfortunately, this is how resistance to reform frequently manifests.

Let it be clearly stated: this is corruption fighting back.

The NSITF will not be distracted by sponsored mudslinging or sensational narratives designed to undermine public confidence. Our focus remains firmly on our mandate, paying claims faster, expanding the social protection safety net for Nigerian workers, strengthening governance, and delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

We assure the public unequivocally:

The NSITF is safe. The funds are secure.

Management remains fully committed to transparency, accountability, and the prudent management of the Employees’ Compensation Fund. The NSITF welcomes any lawful, independent, and properly constituted inquiry by relevant oversight authorities and will continue to cooperate fully with all statutory review processes.

Finally, the NSITF assures Nigerian workers, employers, and the general public that the integrity of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme remains intact. Claims continue to be paid, statutory obligations are being met, and the Fund remains focused, without distraction, on protecting workers and strengthening social security in Nigeria.