NSITF rejects allegations of managerial crisis

...Says staff exit voluntary, part of restructuring 

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has condemned the allegations of managerial crisis and mass resignation of workers being peddled in some media outlets.

In a statement issued by Alexandra  Mede, Head of Corporate Affairs, the NSITF described the story published by Sahara Reporters as a deliberate misrepresentation of facts and lacking in merit.

The statement read: "The Management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) wishes to categorically reject the allegations recently circulated by a coalition of civil society organisations, which rely on a Sahara Reporters publication dated June 4, 2026, as their primary basis. 

"The NSITF considers both the publication and the demands arising from it to be without merit, and rooted in a deliberate misrepresentation of facts", she stated.

On the Allegation of Mass Resignations and Staff Intimidation, she said "There has been no mass resignation at the NSITF, and there is no managerial crisis within the organisation. What occurred was a structured Voluntary Retirement Exercise (VRE), formally advertised on March 3, 2026, and open to confirmed staff in designated senior cadres — Senior Manager, Principal Manager, Assistant General Manager, Deputy General Manager, and VGeneral Manager.

"The VRE was a deliberate institutional reform initiative, informed by recommendations from a credible, independent staff audit conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). It offered participating staff voluntary exits with full financial benefits attached. 

"The exercise was subsequently extended following approval by the Management Board at its 83rd meeting on April 28, 2026. Every exit recorded was voluntary, incentivised, and processed in strict accordance with the terms of the exercise, extant Public Service Rules and applicable labour laws.

"To characterize this structured, transparent exercise as "hundreds of staff resigning amid intimidation" is factually incorrect and constitutes irresponsible journalism.

"Management finds it equally troubling that civil society organisations, whose mandate is the pursuit of truth and accountability, would lend their platforms to what amounts to an unsubstantiated smear campaign against a Federal Government institution. 

"The NSITF maintains established channels for staff grievances through its Human Resource Management Department, and no credible complaints of victimisation or administrative high-handedness have been substantiated.

"On the Allegations of Financial Misconduct, the NSITF noted that the coalition itself acknowledges the financial allegations it cites —including claims regarding multiple bank accounts and a purported N297 billion scandal —remain unproven and subject to investigation. Management finds it deeply concerning that 

unverified claims are being weaponised to demand the removal of principal officers of a federal institution. 

"The NSITF operates under statutory oversight frameworks and remains fully accountable to the relevant supervisory authorities. Management welcomes any lawful, evidence based inquiry and has nothing to conceal.

On the demand for removal of the Managing Director/Chief Executive and the Board Chairman, the statement maintained that the coalition’s calls “are not grounded in established fact. Under the leadership of Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, the Fund has recorded measurable improvements across every sphere of service delivery, including expanded coverage and enhanced operational efficiency. 

"These outcomes are wholly inconsistent with the portrait of institutional dysfunction being advanced by the coalition.

Management respectfully urges the relevant authorities and the Nigerian public to assess these allegations against the available evidence before drawing conclusions. In the same spirit of accountability the coalition invokes, Management also calls on the appropriate regulatory bodies to strengthen oversight of civil society organisations to ensure that their activities remain anchored in verified facts and the public interest.

"The NSITF reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers — the very values it was established to uphold. Management will continue to engage stakeholders openly and responsibly, and calls on all parties to prioritize factual 

accuracy in public discourse concerning a federal institution of this importance,” the statement summed.

Data Science Platform workers, gig economy in our plans --NSITF MD Faleye

Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, has said issues around the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially as regards platform workers and the gig economy, are being given priority attention by the Fund.

Faleye stated this while fielding questions in response to the presentation of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, at the General Assembly of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Minister had, in his presentation, called for inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence (AI) policies that protect jobs and workers' rights while harnessing the transformative potential of technology to drive economic growth and decent work.

Commending the minister’s presentation in an interview, Barr. Faleye said, “I think it's a very robust response, particularly as it deals with emerging issues in the place of work generally. You will recall that some of the key issues that we've been dealing with within the labour ecosystem have been the treatment of platform workers, the gig economy, and, of course, the impact of AI on labour and workers generally.

“It's important that we recognise that AI is here to stay, and the more governments and institutions like ours understand the implications of AI on workers, on the role of workers and the workplace, the more it is that we're able to, of course, engage on relevant solutions to it, and I'm glad that the Minister touched on that.

“But importantly, it's also to look at the treatment of platform workers and the gig economy to understand how to better provide and provide support and provide what is required to assimilate them”.

Speaking further, the Managing Director noted that “You know that traditionally, labour has been defined within the context of formal workplace economy, but recent innovations now entails people working from home, people working on platforms like Uber and Bolt, etc, and then there's a need to now define appropriate was to measure their role and their impact, and for us at NSITF to begin to understand how best to situate our mandate within those new work realities, and I'm glad that the foremost ministry responsible for driving and articulating policies within our labour ecosystem is at the forefront of that”, he explained.

Speaking on plans to engage workers generally classified as independent contractors rather than formal employees, the MD disclosed that “I think the core engagement is really dimensioning what is termed as a workplace within those platform workers' ecosystem. It is also to fashion out our best to engage in terms of their contributions, and of course, to articulate our best to also provide compensation for them in place of workplace injury. You know, for us, we're grappling with the idea of, within our system, when does injury occur, and where is the workplace for those platform workers?

“Particularly, if you understand those who are working from home, at what point can we better understand when an injury occurs and whether that injury is in relation to work or something else?

“I think sitting down with the relevant stakeholders to discuss this, which this conference provides, is the right step in the right direction, and we're really glad to be part of that discussion,” he stated.

Faleye commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, saying, “we cannot be left behind in innovations, the digital innovations that are driving business activities and are driving the workplace worldwide,

“You will see, like the Minister said, we have infused that into our Public Service recently. The Civil Service is now much more embedded with AI, using AI to really provide services going forward, and I'm sure they will get better with it,” he said.

Platform workers provide paid labour services through digital applications such as delivery apps and online freelance market places.

NSITF is committed to protecting vulnerable workers --Faleye

The Nigeria  Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has restated its commitment to preventing and protecting all vulnerable groups, especially people Living With disabilities through occupational safety and health.

Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, the Managing Director of NSITF, stated this at the just-concluded International Civil Service Conference on the topic: "Inclusive Public Services for Women, Youths, Persons with Disabilities and Vulnerable Groups", in Abuja.

Represented by the Abuja Regional Manager of the Fund, Mrs Bridget Ashang, the Managing Director disclosed that the NSITF, through its Employees Compensation Scheme (ESC,) ensures that the vulnerable are not left in the cold.

“NSITF runs the Employees' Compensation Scheme, a social protection, social security scheme for employees. If there is any incident that leads to injury, disability, disease in the course of work, the Fund takes care of the employee, and dependents until the last child is 21 or a graduate of a tertiary institution. The case of death. That's the vulnerable group we talk about,” he stated.

Elaborating further, the MD said, “For NSITF, our core mandate, actually, is compensation for employees if there is any incident in the course of work.

“However, we realize that prevention is better than compensation, and that's why we are leading when it comes to Occupational Safety and Health. 

“We get to carry out audits of the workplace to say this is what is wrong, this should be here. That is what we call corrective actions. We guide you, we advise, and we accommodate.

“I want to specifically talk about a specific vulnerable group that, maybe at times, we don't even consider as vulnerable. Those who wake up very early in the morning, get ready, no matter the weather, commute to work, stay at work, and do all sorts of work. Because a lot of the time when we talk about social security, we talk about well-being in society, social protection, we talk about infancy, mortality rates, we want immunization, vaccinations, mortality care, taking care of pregnant women, and all of that.

“Then we talk about school children, free food, free education. Then the next thing, if we all agree, we'll talk about pension. Almost all the time, it goes straight from children, infancy, all the way to pension.  

“What about the working group? The most vulnerable group in the world all the time; commute to work, spend hours at work, and so on. Those are the ones NSITF are concerned about.”

Faleye emphasized that NSITF believe "prevention is better than cure, because in our course of work, in the course of our running the scheme, the Employees' Compensation Scheme, we've seen that disabilities at times arise from the course of work.

“So, one of the things we ensure first and foremost, and we promote, and we talk about, is safe, healthy, inclusive workplaces.  We come around, and we do what we call an occupational safety net in the workplace.

“And another thing we talk about is accessibility, and other things that are protected, those things that would ensure inclusivity of those who are living with certain disabilities, of women, of youth, and all of that”.

He lamented that the law did not make provision for sanctions; it, however, provided that workers be duly protected. “Our law actually says, go out there, make sure the employees are properly taken care of while they are working. And if there's an incident, we step it, but we like to say we believe in prevention. Prevention is better than cure, so we ensure that. Unfortunately, there are no sanctions”, he stated.

On the panel with the MD during the session were: Kachallom Daju, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Hansatu Adegbite, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian, Mrs Beatrice JD Agba, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General of the Federation, Dr Jake Epelle, and Kristin Envig

NSITF has enrolled over 7.6m workers into ECS

.... records historic first with the enrollment of the Nigeria Police force into ECS

Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, MD/CE NSITF at the conference 

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) have enrolled over 7.6 million employees into the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) so far. In the same vein, the Fund has recorded a historic first with the enrollment of the Nigeria Police Force into the scheme.

Managing Director of the Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun Falaye, disclosed this at the 2026 International Civil Service Conference in Abuja Wednesday, 20th May, 3026.

In his words, "We have enrolled over 7.6 million employees into the Scheme. We secured the enrolment of the Nigeria Police Force into the ECS — a historic first — after engagements with the Inspector-General of Police. 

"When our officers know that their families will be protected should they sustain injury or lose their lives in the line of duty, their confidence and gallantry will increase, and our national security will be the safer for us all.”

Speaking on the theme of the conference “Reforms, Resillience and Results,” the MD said "This theme is not merely aspirational. It is a call to action. Across the globe, public institutions are under unprecedented pressure to deliver efficient services, restore public confidence, adapt to rapid technological and economic disruption, and ensure that governance remains people-centred and sustainable.

"For us in Nigeria, the conversation around reform is no longer optional — it is urgent. The future of governance and national development depends on the ability of our institutions to evolve, innovate, and respond effectively to the needs of our citizens.

"And I can say with confidence today that at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, we have chosen to lead by example", he stated.

Faleye maintained that "Reform is the foundation of institutional progress. Institutions that resist change eventually become ineffective and disconnected from the people they are meant to serve. But true reform is not merely structural — it is cultural. It demands a shift in mindset from bureaucracy to responsiveness, from routine administration to strategic impact, from excuses to execution".

Giving an insight into his stewardship, the MD revealed that "When I assumed office as Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund on July 15, 2024, I inherited an institution with enormous potential but significant operational challenges. 

"The Employees’ Compensation Scheme — a landmark social protection instrument established under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010 — was not reaching its full potential. The compliance was uneven. Claims processing was slow. Public awareness was low. And the confidence of stakeholders was fragile.

"We chose not to complain about these challenges. We chose to confront them head-on through deliberate, bold, and measurable reforms. Let me share the evidence.

"First, on governance and institutional integrity. We partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms within the Fund. We empowered our Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit and designated 120 staff as ACTU liaison officers across all our offices nationwide. We initiated a Memorandum of Understanding with the ICPC to formalise our collaboration. This is not window dressing — it is a clear signal that the new NSITF operates on the non-negotiable principles of accountability and transparency.

"Second, on digital transformation. We are moving away from fragmented, paper-based systems towards integrated digital platforms that enhance transparency, speed, and public confidence".

Faleye disclosed that "We are investing in automated workflows, real-time tracking of claims, and standardized processing timelines. Our goal is simple: no Nigerian worker or their family should have to endure unnecessary delays when they are entitled to compensation under the law.

"Third, on expanding coverage and compliance. We launched an aggressive campaign to take the Employees’ Compensation Scheme to every corner of this nation. 

"We did not stop there. We took the Scheme directly to state governors. I led a team to governors of Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Sokoto and Taraba States, and in April 2026, we signed a landmark partnership with Lagos State to fully implement the ECS for state workers. We are advocating the integration of ECS Compliance Certificates into public procurement processes, so that companies bidding for government contracts must demonstrate that their workers are protected. This is how you move reform from policy documents to the lived reality of workers.

"Fourth, on claims processing and service delivery. In 2024 alone, the NSITF processed 22,350 compensation claims. We achieved a 21 percent increase in claims payout. We paid 90 million naira in compensation to a Seplat worker, 76 million naira to the dependants of a Nigerian Breweries employee, 31 million naira in medical bills for a Nestlé worker, and 42.5 million naira to the family of a deceased Depthwize employee."

"These are not just numbers — these are families who received justice, dignity, and support in their most difficult moments", he revealed," he emphasized 

Speaking further, the MD noted that "A resilient public institution is one that can withstand pressure, adapt to change, and continue to deliver value even in the most difficult of times. And resilience begins with people.

"Civil servants are the engine room of governance. Therefore, protecting the workforce through effective occupational safety standards, social insurance systems, and inclusive welfare policies is not a luxury — it is a national imperative".

According to him, "When workers are protected, productivity improves. When institutions are stable, economies grow. When citizens trust public systems, national cohesion is strengthened.

"This is precisely why, under our leadership, the NSITF partnered with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to lead the 2025 Safe Workplace Intervention Project (SWIP), auditing over 200 workplaces across the country. We are not waiting for accidents to happen before we act. We are building a culture of prevention.

"The Federal Government has also mandated the Employees’ Compensation Scheme for all federal public workers — a decisive step towards ensuring that no civil servant in this country is left unprotected. 

"This directive affirms a fundamental truth: social protection must remain central to governance reforms. No nation can achieve sustainable development while neglecting the welfare and security of its workforce.

"The future of work is changing rapidly. Digitalization, artificial intelligence, remote work systems, and evolving employment patterns demand that governments rethink traditional approaches to labour administration. Our institutions must therefore become proactive rather than reactive — anticipating risks, building safety nets, and empowering workers to thrive in the new economy", he summed.

NSITF restoring hope, dignity of workers through ECS, says MD Faleye

Beneficiaries of the prosthetic limbs with Mrs. Ogunnaike

Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has underscored the role of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) in restoring hope and dignity to Nigerian workers who suffer injuries in the line of duty.

He made the remarks in Abuja during the presentation of prosthetic limbs to ten beneficiaries of the scheme. 

Represented by the General Manager, Claims and Compensation, Mrs. Nkiru Ogunnike, the MD said the initiative continues to put smiles on the faces of injured workers by supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

According to him, the ECS goes beyond statutory compensation, reflecting a humane commitment to restoring confidence and preserving the dignity of workers affected by occupational hazards. 

He noted that workplace accidents often result not only in physical injuries but also emotional trauma and uncertainty about the future.

Faleye explained that for many Nigerian workers, a single workplace incident can permanently alter the course of their lives. 

He however said the intervention of the NSITF through the ECS provides a second chance for victims to rebuild their lives and regain independence.

Highlighting specific cases, he cited the experiences of two beneficiaries, Daniel Etim, a staff of University of Uyo Printing Press and Festus Opkara of Tower Aluminium Laos, as evidence of the scheme’s impact. 

Daniel lost his arm in May 2024 after it was trapped in an industrial machine during a routine workday, an injury which led to amputation.

“However, through the intervention of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund as administrators of the ECS, Daniel received medical support, with his treatment expenses fully covered under the Scheme. 

"Beyond the payment of medical bills, the Fund extended further rehabilitative support by providing him with a prosthetic arm, reaffirming its commitment not only to compensation but also to restoring dignity, confidence, and functionality to injured workers.

"Daniel’s story underscores the broader mandate of the Employee Compensation Scheme, a social protection mechanism designed to ensure that Nigerian workers who suffer workplace injuries, disabilities, occupational diseases, or death are not abandoned in moments of vulnerability,” the NSITF MD explained.

"Similar to Daniel’s is the story of Festus, whose workplace accident dates back to 2015. Having lost his hand in a workplace incident, Festus lived for years with the emotional burden that accompanied his physical condition. 

"Beyond the trauma of the accident itself was the constant public attention, the quizzical looks, and the pitying stares that made social interactions difficult,” he stated, adding that "NSITF provided Festus with a silicone prosthetic hand, helping him regain not only physical confidence but also a renewed sense of inclusion and self-worth". 

Highlighting the significance of the ECS, the MD restated that "For beneficiaries like Daniel and Festus, the interventions of the NSITF have become more than institutional obligations; they represent hope, restoration, and reassurance that injured workers are not left to navigate tragedy alone".

To the MD, these examples speak to a frequently overlooked dimension of workplace injuries: the psychological and emotional scars that persist long after physical wounds may have healed.

"These interventions highlight the critical role of the NSITF in implementing the Employee Compensation Scheme, which continues to serve as a vital safety net for Nigerian workers in both the public and private sectors", he concluded.

While reflecting on how his life was transformed, one of the beneficiaries, Festus Okpara enthused: 'I thank NSITF for coming all this way to help. At least with this (a silicone artificial hand), I can go out in public and feel free. NSITF has reduced the level of trauma'".

It would be recalled that the ten beneficiaries were among the 78 who recently got fitted with artificial limbs in the ongoing rehabilitation and reintegration program of the NSITF.”

ISSA 2026: How NSITF is driving inclusive social security through effective communication

By Dr Emmanuel Ulayi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

When delegates from across West Africa converged on the Abuja Continental Hotel April 22-23, 2026, the agenda was clear but ambitious: to rewire how social security services reach the people who need them most. For two days, the International Social Security Association (ISSA) 2026 West Africa Technical Seminar put one tool at the centre of that mission — effective communication. The seminar brought together key stakeholders to confront persistent gaps in reach and understanding — and to position communication as the bridge to truly inclusive coverage.

Under the theme, “Improving inclusiveness and accessibility of social security services through effective communication in West Africa”, policymakers and administrators brainstormed on a simple question: What good is a safety net if the people it’s meant to catch don’t know it exists, or can’t reach it? Of course, for millions across West Africa, social security remains a promise that feels out of reach — lost in complex forms, unfamiliar language, or simply never heard of. The gathering united social security institutions under a shared goal: to use better, clearer communication to tear down barriers and make services genuinely inclusive and accessible for all.

One of the discoveries at the ISSA 2026 was that social security in West Africa has a coverage problem. But NSITF has an answer. At the seminar, NSITF showcased how it moved from protecting office workers to enrolling market traders, artisans, and gig drivers — groups once written off as “too hard to reach.” The shift is technical, political, and deeply practical. And it’s forcing a new question across ECOWAS: if Nigeria can do it, why can’t everyone else?

Setting the tone for the seminar, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the NSITF, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, in his welcome address, told delegates that the gathering represents an important moment of continuity within the ISSA West Africa family. “Many of us will recall that in 2025, our colleagues in the Republic of Guinea graciously hosted the annual Technical Session of the ISSA West Africa Region in Conakry. My team and I were privileged to attend that meeting, which brought together sister institutions from across the sub-region in a spirit of openness, peer learning, and regional solidarity. The discussions were open and deeply reflective of our common realities, coverage gaps, informality, financing pressures, and the accelerating pace of change in the world of work”.

He said the theme of the seminar speaks directly to the moment: accessibility, effectiveness, inclusiveness, and the strategic use of digitisation in social security administration. These, according to him, are not abstract ideals. They are practical measures of whether institutions can keep pace with the changing lives and livelihoods of the people they exist to protect.

In his words, “Accessibility challenges us to rethink how services reach workers whose employment falls outside traditional structures. Effectiveness demands that benefits are delivered promptly, transparently, and predictably, because delays erode trust and inefficiency weakens credibility. Inclusiveness requires that women, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, and those in informal and non-standard forms of work are not treated as marginal, but as central to our mandate. Digitisation offers powerful tools in this regard, but only when guided by sound policy, institutional discipline, and a clear commitment to fairness”.

He emphasised that Nigeria, with a large and youthful population, a dynamic labour market, and one of the largest informal economies in Africa, required a responsive and strong social protection system, disclosing that the NSITF, under the Employees’ Compensation Act of 2010, carries a statutory responsibility to provide compensation for work-related injuries, occupational diseases, disabilities, and death.

“At NSITF, we have come to recognise that delivering on this mandate in today’s environment requires deliberate transformation. Over the years, we have embarked on a progressive digital journey, moving away from fragmented, paper-based processes toward more integrated systems that enhance integrity, improve service delivery, and strengthen public confidence. We are investing in platforms that support faster claims processing, improved data management, stronger actuarial planning, and more transparent engagement with employers and beneficiaries.

“At the same time, we remain clear-eyed about the challenges. Digital transformation is not a one-off project; it is a continuous process that demands skills, governance, cybersecurity, and above all, institutional culture. This is why gatherings such as this Technical Session are invaluable. They allow us to learn from one another, to adapt tested solutions, and to avoid costly missteps”.

The MD commended ISSA for offering a springboard for the region, saying, “ISSA has long provided a vital platform for this exchange. Through its standards, guidelines, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms, it has helped social security institutions navigate complexity with confidence. We are deeply grateful for the trust reposed in Nigeria and in NSITF to host this session, and we do not take that trust lightly”.

While declaring the Seminar opened, Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said West Africa stands at a historic crossroads as one of the youngest regions in the world, blessed with extraordinary human energy, entrepreneurial drive, and demographic promise. He lamented that despite the resources, “Yet we are also a region where vulnerability remains a daily reality for millions, vulnerability to economic transitions, to health shocks, to workplace accidents, to unemployment, and to the quiet insecurity that follows uncertainty”.

The president, who stressed why social security matters, “not as theory, not as policy jargon, but as the thin line between stability and despair”, admitted that Nigeria’s journey with social security has not been a straight line but a process of hard lessons, aggressive reforms, and continuous renewal.

“Today, under the oversight of the National Pension Commission, over 10 million Nigerian workers are actively contributing to the Contributory Pension Scheme, with pension assets now exceeding ₦25 trillion, according to data published by the National Pension Commission. Now, those figures are impressive, but the true success of the pension reform cannot be measured merely in trillions of naira. What those assets represent is trust, the hard-earned savings of Nigerian workers who now have confidence that after a lifetime of service, retirement will not mean hardship, uncertainty, or loss of dignity, but security and peace of mind.

“Through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, we have fundamentally strengthened workplace injury protection. Today, over 7.5 million Nigerian employees are covered under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, ensuring that when workplace accidents or disabilities occur, families are protected from sudden economic ruin. Every compensation payment sends a clear message: those who serve this nation will not be abandoned”.

Tinubu, represented by the Minister for Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said since assuming office in 2023, they have driven the Renewed Hope Agenda with a clear objective: to restore opportunity, protect livelihoods, and rebuild confidence in our economy.

On the theme, the president reiterated that “Communication is not public relations. It is the bridge between the government and the citizens. It is the architecture of trust. If we are to communicate social security effectively in West Africa, we cannot rely solely on technical circulars. Our people communicate through community, culture, conversation, and shared experience.

“In Nigeria, information often travels faster through the marketplace than through billboards. That may sound light-hearted, but the lesson is serious: communication must be culturally intelligent. We must speak in the language of communities, markets, and workplaces, not only in policy documents”.

He advised the delegates that “West Africa must move beyond copying global models. Long before the gig economy became a global buzzword, our informal sector was already thriving through innovation and resilience. Our communication strategies must reflect our realities. The ISSA provides an invaluable platform for shared learning and collaboration. This seminar is not merely about messaging techniques; it is about strengthening the social contract between governments and citizens”.

In his words, “When communication improves, trust grows. When trust grows, compliance improves. When compliance improves, coverage expands. And when coverage expands, poverty and vulnerability decline”.

Also speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, said the theme was a reminder that social security is not merely a safety net, but a fundamental pillar for social justice, industrial harmony and sustainable economic growth. In a rapidly changing world defined by technological advancements, the expansion of the informal sector and evolving employment relationships, the urgency to adapt and strengthen our social protection systems cannot be overemphasised.

He assured that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment remains committed to its constitutional mandate of formulating and implementing policies that safeguard the welfare of Nigerian workers. “Central to this mandate is our supervisory role over key institutions, particularly the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). The NSITF, as empowered by the Employees' Compensation Act, 2010, serves as a critical vehicle for delivering social security to workers by providing compensation for workplace injuries, disabilities and death. Through effective oversight, we ensure that the Fund remains aligned with international best practices, including those championed by ISSA, while fulfilling its statutory responsibility of protecting Nigeria's valued workforce”.

In a goodwill message, Dr. Vanessa Phala, Director, ILO Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, restated their desire to support member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in their quest to gain universal and well-communicated social systems.

Phala, who spoke during one of the technical sessions, said the path toward universal, accessible, and well-communicated social protection systems in West Africa is within reach, but it requires decisive action, sustained investment, and above all, a shared commitment to leaving no one behind.

“The ILO Abuja Country Office and Liaison Office for ECOWAS remain steadfast in its commitment to supporting member states in this journey. Through technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity-building, we stand ready to help translate vision into reality”, she stated.

She urged all the stakeholders to seize the opportunity of the seminar to accelerate progress, strengthen cooperation, and build systems that truly serve all the people, stressing that social security is a human right and a social and economic necessity.

Presenting a keynote address, the Secretary General of ISSA, Mr. Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, appreciated ISSA’s long-standing and fruitful collaboration with Nigeria and our member institutions in your country. “This collaboration has had many positive results, and we are grateful for your commitment to international exchange as part of our unique regional and global social security community”.

He informed that the ISSA is the world's leading organisation of social security institutions and ministries, revealing that “Today, we bring together more than 340 member institutions in 165 countries. To effectively support our members, our activities are based on three pillars, namely to provide relevant and practical knowledge resources, to give access to valuable networks and finally to promote social security and the role of social security institutions at different levels.

“This Seminar is fully in line with what ISSA is all about: we will share highly relevant knowledge on a key issue in social security, we will have ample opportunity to exchange and network, and we will send a key message about the commitment of social security to reach out to all population groups.

“It is part of the wider ISSA activities in Africa of which a true highlight is upcoming. I am pleased that our membership of 109 institutions from 48 countries in Africa will soon come together at the Regional Social Security Forum for Africa (RSSF Africa 2026) in Kampala, Uganda, from 1-3 September this year,” he further stated..

The ISSA 2026, which ended on a high note was attended by delegates and stakeholders from across the world including the Director General, SSNIT, THE Manager, ISSA Liaison office, West Africa, Nana Asor Ampem Asare, representative of social security institutions, ministers and heads of agencies and parastatals across the region, the President of ISSA, West Africa Region, representatives of governments across West Africa and beyond, members of the Diplomatic Corps, development partners and technical experts.

Our guest writer, Ulayi, PhD, is of the Corporate Affairs Department of NSITF.

ECS: NSITF assures Lagos govt of support for effective implementation

 ...Trains  MDAs relations officers 

Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye and Mrs Oyagbola at the workshop 

Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), has assured Lagos State Government of its willingness to provide all the required technical and operational expertise for the seamless implementation of the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) in the state.

Managing Director/CE, Barrister Oluwaseun Falaye, gave the assurance at a sensitisation workshop for Employee Relations Officers for Lagos State MDAs on Wednesday in Lagos.

“Let me also assure you that the NSITF remains fully committed to supporting this process. We bring not only the legal and institutional mandate, but also the technical expertise, operational experience, and systems required to ensure effective and seamless implementation. More importantly, we will continue to work closely with all MDAs, providing guidance and support at every stage of this process," Faleye said in his address to participants.

“This programme has been carefully designed to provide you with practical knowledge and actionable insights. Experienced resource persons will take you through the key aspects of the Scheme, including its benefits, compliance requirements, payroll processes, schedules of payment, and the critical role you will play in ensuring its success," he stated.

The MD explained that the theme of the programme, 'The Role of the Employee Relations Officer in Ensuring Effective Implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme,' speaks directly to that objective. 

Stressing the importance of human capital in policy implementation, Barrister Faleye said, the theme “recognizes that while policies provide structure, it is people who give them life. Your role, therefore, is not secondary; it is central to the success of this initiative."

“The Employees’ Compensation Scheme, administered by the NSITF under the Employees’ Compensation Act of 2010, is far more than a regulatory requirement. It is a comprehensive system designed to protect workers against workplace accidents, occupational diseases, injuries, disabilities, and even death arising in the course of employment. It provides structured support through medical care, rehabilitation services, compensation for temporary or permanent disability, and financial protection for dependents in the unfortunate event of loss of life.

"At its core, the Scheme represents a commitment—a commitment that when the unexpected occurs, the system will respond with clarity, structure, and responsibility. It ensures that no worker, and no family, is left to bear the burden of work-related incidents alone.

"One of the key advantages we have in Lagos State is that we are not starting from a position of limitation. The State already possesses strong institutional structures, well-organised payroll systems, and established administrative processes. What is required now is not the creation of an entirely new system, but the effective integration of this Scheme into existing frameworks, thereby strengthening them and enhancing their overall impact.

"In Lagos State, where the pace of governance is both demanding and unrelenting, the individuals who keep the machinery of government running are not merely employees performing routine duties; they are the backbone upon which the State’s stability, continuity, and progress depend.

"It is therefore both necessary and commendable that Lagos State has taken a deliberate step toward strengthening the protection of its workforce".

He explained that the training was the direct outcome of a strategic engagement between the NSITF and the Lagos State Government, which resulted in the decision to fully implement the Employees’ Compensation Scheme across the State Public Service.

“Following that engagement, we took a deliberate step to initiate this sensitisation programme, with a clear objective: to ensure that those who are responsible for driving implementation, particularly the Employee Relations Officers and administrative leaders across MDAs, are fully equipped, not only with knowledge of the Scheme, but with the capacity to translate it into effective action”, he stated.

Continuing, the MD reiterated that “When this Scheme is fully implemented—and I am confident that it will be, the benefits to Lagos State will be substantial. It will result in a workforce that operates with a stronger sense of security and assurance, a governance structure that manages risk in a proactive and structured manner, and a government that demonstrates not only authority but a clear and practical commitment to the welfare of its people. In doing so, Lagos will continue to set the standard for others to follow”.

Moving a vote of thanks, the Head of Service, Lagos State, Mr. Bode Agoro, promised that Lagos State, being the Centre of Excellence, always sets the pace and would also replicate that with the ECS.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs Sunkanmi Oyegbola, the HoS said: “Lagos, as the Centre of Excellence, will always set the pace by driving the process of the Employees Compensation Scheme in the sub-national by ensuring employees in the state government get the best ECS has to offer”.

She expressed the hope that the scheme will give the staff of the state peace of mind to do their work diligently and with all commitment. She also charged directors and heads of human resources in MDAs in the state to drive the process in their organizations to ensure the scheme operates smoothly in the state.

She further disclosed that an NSITF desk office would be established to ensure the process functions effortlessly in the state.