NSITF and South Africa’s Rand Mutual Assurance Sign MoU on Technical Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange

MD/CE NSITF, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye (right), with Chief Executive of South Africa RMA, Mr. Bilal Adams 

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) of South Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising a framework for institutional cooperation across social insurance administration, occupational health and safety, and employee compensation.

The agreement was signed on 25th June, 2026, at the conclusion of a three-day Strategic Technical Engagement and Bilateral Sessions hosted by NSITF at Fraser Suites, Abuja. The sessions brought together the management and technical teams of NSITF, led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, and RMA’s technical delegation, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bilal Adams.

Over the course of the three days, both delegations engaged in structured knowledge exchange, institutional benchmarking, and deliberations on potential areas of cooperation. 

Discussions spanned social insurance administration, occupational health and safety systems, injury prevention programmes, rehabilitation frameworks, actuarial modelling, and digital transformation — providing a substantive basis from which the MoU emerged.

“Any project, transaction, programme, investment, commercial arrangement or collaborative initiative arising from the MoU shall be subject to separate negotiations and the execution of definitive agreements, approved in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and the internal approval processes of each Party.” — MoU, Article on Implementation

The MoU sets out six areas of agreed cooperation. Chief among them is the facilitation of technical exchanges and capacity-building initiatives covering occupational health and safety, prevention programmes, rehabilitation frameworks, claims administration, actuarial modelling, and digital transformation. 

The two institutions also agreed to share technical information, research materials, and best-practice frameworks, subject to applicable confidentiality and regulatory requirements.

To operationalise the MoU, both organisations have committed to establishing a Joint Technical Working Group, comprising representatives from relevant departments on each side, tasked with identifying, developing, and coordinating collaborative activities. This structure is intended to ensure that the MoU translates into concrete, time-bound programmes rather than remaining a statement of intent.

The agreement further provides for joint exploration of prevention and incentive-based models adaptable to the operational framework of Nigeria’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme, as well as continued dialogue on digital transformation initiatives and technology benchmarking.

The MoU was jointly reviewed by the Legal Teams of both institutions prior to signing. The document is expressly non-binding and does not create legally enforceable obligations or impose immediate financial commitments on either Party. It serves as a statement of mutual intent, providing a structured framework to guide future engagement.

In a joint statement, NSITF and RMA reaffirmed their commitment to “fostering cooperation and knowledge exchange for the advancement of social insurance administration, workplace safety, rehabilitation services, and employee compensation systems.”

The partnership has drawn measured interest from sector stakeholders, who note that RMA — founded in 1894 and one of the oldest social security institutions on the continent — brings a deep body of operational experience to the relationship. For NSITF, the engagement represents an opportunity to benchmark against an established model as Nigeria continues to develop and strengthen its own social security architecture.

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) is the statutory body mandated to administer the Employees’ Compensation Scheme under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010 and the NSITF Act.

Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) is a South African mutual assurance company established in 1894. It is one of the oldest social security institutions in the world, specialising in the administration of occupational injuries and diseases compensation.

The MoU was signed on 25th June, 2026, at Fraser Suites, Abuja, at the conclusion of a three-day bilateral engagement between both institutions.

NSITF, South Africa’s Rand Mutual's partnership will strengthen Africa’s social protection systems - Faleye

...As the Fund Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening the  ECS

MD/CE NSITF, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye with RMA Chief Executive, Mr Bilal Adams

Managing Director/Chief Executive  of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, has said collaboration between the Fund and Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) of South Africa would strengthen Africa's social protection system.

Faleye stated this on Tuesday when he hosted a high-level delegation from RMA South Africa led by the Group Chief Executive Officer, Bilal Adam, at the NSITF headquarters in Abuja.

He said the meeting marked the start of a strategic partnership between two of Africa’s leading social insurers.

"Your visit marks the beginning of what we hope will evolve into a mutually beneficial and enduring relationship between our two organizations, and highlights our shared commitment to advancing workers' compensation, occupational safety and health, and social security administration on the African continent,’ the MD stated.

Barrister Faleye making a presentation 

Speaking on RMA's rich history, the NSITF boss said "We are particularly delighted to receive an institution of such remarkable pedigree. Established in 1894, Rand Mutual Assurance has built an enviable reputation over more than a century as one of Africa's foremost workers' compensation and social insurance institutions.

"Your evolution from a specialized compensation scheme for the mining industry into a modern, purpose-driven social insurer with a strong emphasis on prevention, rehabilitation, care and shared value creation is both admirable and inspiring," he added.

Mr Bilal Adams making his presentation 

"At NSITF, we recognize that the future of social protection lies in collaboration, innovation and the exchange of experiences. Consequently, we view this visit not merely as a courtesy engagement, but as the beginning of a strategic partnership capable of transforming workers' compensation and occupational injury insurance administration across our respective jurisdictions," he stated.

"Nigeria and South Africa are two of Africa's leading economies, and I believe that our institutions have a unique responsibility to provide thoughtful leadership and champion best practices that will strengthen social protection systems throughout the continent", he stressed.

According to Faleye, "Today's engagement provides us with a valuable opportunity to learn from one another, compare experiences, identify areas of mutual interest and explore innovative approaches to addressing the emerging challenges confronting the world of work.

"I am particularly encouraged by the prospect of collaboration in such areas as digital transformation, claims administration, occupational health and safety, rehabilitation and return-to-work programmes, capacity building, research and policy development.

"As institutions with a common purpose of protecting workers and supporting employers, we must continue to innovate and build resilient systems that place the dignity and wellbeing of workers at the centre of our operations.

"It is my expectation that the discussions over the next few days will culminate in practical outcomes and provide a framework for sustainable cooperation between our organizations,” he said. .

Reaffirming NSITF’s commitment to strengthening the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) as a critical social protection mechanism designed to guarantee compensation, rehabilitation and support for Nigerian workers who suffer workplace injuries, occupational diseases, disabilities or death arising from their employment, Faleye noted that the changing nature of work and emerging occupational risks require social insurance institutions to continuously improve their systems and adopt innovative approaches that place workers’ welfare at the centre of service delivery.

According to him, the ECS remains one of the most important social security interventions in Nigeria, providing medical care, rehabilitation services, compensation benefits and support to employees and their dependants in cases of work-related injury, disability or death.

He emphasized that collaboration, knowledge sharing and the exchange of professional experiences remain essential to strengthening social protection systems and ensuring that workers receive timely and adequate compensation.

The Managing Director stated that the Fund is particularly focused on advancing key areas that will further improve the implementation of the Scheme, including digital transformation, efficient claims administration, occupational safety and health, rehabilitation programmes, return-to-work initiatives, capacity development, research and policy enhancement.

“These areas are essential to building a modern and responsive compensation system that protects workers while supporting employers and contributing to national productivity,” he said, stressing that the NSITF is committed to building resilient systems that promote workplace safety, reduce occupational injuries and ensure that injured workers are rehabilitated and reintegrated into productive employment.

He noted that the Employees’ Compensation Scheme not only guarantees compensation for workers and their dependants but also provides employers with an organized and sustainable framework for managing workplace liabilities.

The Managing Director further stated that as the world of work continues to evolve, institutions responsible for social protection must continue to innovate and adopt best practices that improve service delivery and strengthen public confidence.

He expressed confidence that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be drafted for ratification and signing by the NSITF Management Board during this visit will open a new chapter of collaboration and strengthen the bonds of friendship between NSITF and Rand Mutual Assurance.

"Together, let us continue to build stronger institutions, safer workplaces and a more inclusive and resilient social protection system for the benefit of workers across Africa", he appealed.

As part of the deliberation both organizations will have engagement sessions where they are expected to share experiences that would enhance their proposed collaboration.

FOI: NASENI Faces Scrutiny Over Billions in Public Funds, Foreign Investment, and Project Implementation

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), is facing an unprecedented transparency challenge following a sweeping Freedom of Information (FOI) request demanding full disclosure of billions of naira in public funds, foreign investments, strategic partnerships and project outcomes managed by the agency between 2023 and 2026.

The request seeks a comprehensive account of the administration of the NASENI Statutory Fund, including revenues derived from the statutory 0.25% levy on the profits of companies operating in Nigeria, appropriations from the Federal Government, foreign investments, development financing arrangements and the implementation status of flagship projects announced by the agency.

At the centre of the demand are questions concerning the deployment, management and measurable impact of some of NASENI's most publicized investment initiatives, including the reported $2 billion Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Programme (AMEDP), strategic partnerships with foreign institutions, and the agency's ambitious plans for local manufacturing and technology domestication.

The request further seeks disclosure of agreements entered into with international partners, including arrangements involving the China Development Bank and Chinese technical partners for solar cell manufacturing, as well as records relating to the agency's reported $425 million solar production expansion programme. Details of private sector co-investors, project financing structures, local content commitments and implementation benchmarks have also been demanded.

The request, addressed to Executive Vice Chairman Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, was not responded to within 7 days, culminating in the case of Aigbokhan President v Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu & 2 ORS (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/957/2026. The suit is seeking the declaration court that failure of the agency to release information relating to rural electrification, irrigation infrastructure and technology deployment across the country is a breach of Freedom of Information Act of 2011.

According to the applicant- President Aigbokhan, Esq “This case signals a growing insistence on measurable accountability in public spending. NASENI occupies a strategic position in the management of public resources earmarked for industrial development, renewable energy, local manufacturing and technological advancement. Consequently, the agency's records are germane to industrial revolution of the country.”

The Federal High Court. On 3 June 2026, granted leave for judicial review and adjourned the matter to 22 September 2026 for further proceedings.

The proceedings are expected to test the scope of transparency obligations imposed on agencies entrusted with substantial public funds and international investment portfolios.

The case raises broader questions about public accountability in the management of strategic development projects and whether public institutions can continue to rely on broad policy announcements without providing verifiable evidence of implementation, expenditure and impact.

Recent developments within Nigeria's public sector have reinforced the growing expectation that agencies responsible for multi-billion-naira projects must be prepared to account for every allocation, investment commitment, memorandum of understanding and project outcome.

The conviction of the Minister of Power on charges of financial impropriety and project mismanagement sends a seismic shockwave through the energy sector, underscoring a critical era of zero tolerance for administrative opacity. As the judiciary begins to hold the highest levels of power accountable for the "black hole" of energy investments

The era in which public institutions could rely solely on press statements and ceremonial project launches is rapidly giving way to one in which documentary evidence, measurable results and statutory compliance are increasingly demanded by citizens, investors and the courts.

At stake is not merely compliance with an information request. The proceedings present a significant opportunity to determine whether one of Nigeria's most strategically positioned technology agencies can demonstrate, through verifiable records, that its ambitious investment announcements have translated into tangible outcomes for Nigerians.

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.