International Labour Conference: Nigeria Partners ISSA, Commits to Social Security, Employee Protection

The Federal Government,

Executive Director Administration,NSITF, Barrister Samaila Abdu, (middle), with ISSA Secretary-General Marcelo Ab-Rami Caetano, (2nd left) and others at the event

through the Nigeria Social lnsurance Trust Fund (NSITF), says its collaboration with the International Social Security Association, (ISSA), has reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to social security and employees’ compensation.

The remark followed a meeting on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference ongoing in Geneva switzerland, when the Secretary General of ISSA Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, met with a delegation from the NSITF, led by Executive Director, Administration, Samaila Abdu, who represented the Managing Director Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye.

ISSA is the world’s leading body for social security institutions, with more than 340 member organizations across 165 countries.

ISSA Secretary-General praised NSITF for hosting a very successful conference in Abuja recently, and commended the Faleye-led management team of the Fund for its commitment to growth and development of social security and protection in the West African sub region.

He also lauded NSITF’s commitment to the progress of ISSA in Africa and globally.

It would be recalled that on the 22nd and 23rd of April this year, NSITF hosted all social security agencies in West Africa at an ISSA conference held in Abuja with the theme “Improving Inclusiveness and Accessibility of Social Security Services Through Effective Communication in West Africa.”

Secures Landmark Judgment on Employees’ Compensation Compliance

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Awka Judicial Division, has delivered a landmark judgment in favour of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), enforcing compliance with the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA), 2010.

In a ruling delivered on June 4, 2026, in Suit No. NICN/AWK/56/2025, the Court upheld claims filed by the NSITF against the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), affirming the agency’s statutory obligations under the Act.

The Court declared that ANSIPPA qualifies as an employer within the meaning of the Employees’ Compensation Act and is therefore required by law to make monthly contributions to the Employees’ Compensation Fund, maintain accurate payroll records, and comply with all provisions relating to employee compensation and workplace injury protection.

As part of the judgment, the court ordered NSITF inspection officers to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the agency to determine the extent of its compliance with the law. It further held that any liabilities established during the inspection and assessment process would be binding on the agency and payable in line with statutory provisions.

The Court proceeded to award litigation costs of N500,000 against ANSIPPA.

The case was prosecuted on behalf of the NSITF by legal practitioner, Onunkwo Petermaximus Emeka.

Legal Precedent

The judgment is being viewed by Labour and Legal stakeholders as a significant boost to the enforcement of the Employees’ Compensation Act, which provides compensation and protection for workers against occupational hazards, workplace injuries, disabilities and work-related deaths.

The  Court’s decision reaffirmed that all employers covered under the law, including government agencies, public institutions, corporate organisations and private-sector establishments, are required to comply with mandatory contribution and reporting obligations under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.

The ruling is also expected to strengthen the enforcement powers of the NSITF, the federal agency charged with administering the scheme and safeguarding workers’ welfare across the country.

Reacting to the judgment, the NSITF Awka Branch Manager , Barrister Gabriel Akubueze, described the decision as a major milestone in efforts to ensure employer compliance with labour protection laws.

According to him, the judgment sends a strong message to organisations that have failed to meet their obligations under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, demonstrating that the courts can compel non-compliant employers to submit to statutory inspections, assessments and the payment of liabilities established under the law.

Officials of the Fund welcomed the verdict, describing it as a validation of the NSITF’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and strengthening social security mechanisms within Nigeria’s labour sector.

Observers say the judgment is expected to serve as an important legal precedent for future enforcement actions aimed at expanding compliance with workers’ compensation requirements and improving workplace safety standards nationwide.

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.”