Employment: Government to Prioritise Quality Over Quantity

Mrs. Halima Bitrus-Austin representative of the Director of Employment, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment 

The Federal Government has shifted focus from just employment creation to ensuring Nigerians get decent works.

This is according to Mrs. Halima Bitrus-Austin, an official of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment 

While walking participants--,including this reporter--at a Media Engagement and Capacity Building for Inclusive Reporting on Employment, Labour Migration and Decent Work,  through the contents of the National Employment Policy (NEP 2025) in Abuja Thursday.

Mr. Benjamin Oyekunle receiving his certificate of participation from Mrs. Chinyere Emeka Anuna, ILO Head of Programmes, Abuja Office while Mr. Anders Johnson, ILO Regional Communication Officer watches

Mrs. Bitrus-Austin clarified that the shift in focus did not translate to abandoning the mandate of the ministry to ensure enabling environment for job creation. She emphasized that the shift, would "impact positively rather than negatively on overall job creation."

She explained that the NEP was formulated first in 2002 and reviewed in 2017. She said changes brought about by technological innovations and other factors necessitated a review long overdue.

Samuel Folarin, a participant receives his certificate of participation 

Earlier in a Goodwill message she delivered on behalf of the Director of Employment, she commended the International Labour Organisation, (ILO) and its partners for organising the programme.

She said the event was timely as it came at a time "Nigeria continues to strengthen its labour market governance, and advance the cause of key national frameworks"

Mr. Adeniyi Bakare, President of Labour Writers Association of Nigeria receives his certificate 

Mrs Bitrus-Austin further acknowledge the role of the media "in shaping public perception, influencing public discourse, and amplifying awareness" as she noted the need for accurate reporting.

She concludes affirming the Ministry's full commitment "to supporting initiatives that promote decent work, fair recruitment, and gender-responsive labour migration governance."

The event was organised by ILO in partnership with Federal Government, German Cooperation, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Nigerian-German Centre, and giz for media practitioners and civil society members.

Expert Identifies Impediments to Regional Integration and Free Labour Migration in Africa.

Mr. Tunde Salman stressing a point at the dialogue 

A policy expert, Mr. Tunde Salman has identified factors militating against Africa's regional integration and free Labour migration. 

Ben Oyekunle who was a participant at the the dialogue series on Media Engagement and Capacity Building for Inclusive Reporting on Employment Labour Migration and Decent Work organised by the International Labour Organisation, (ILO), reports.  

While speaking on the topic, "Advancing Regional Integration: Leveraging Accurate and Ethical Reporting on Labour Migration to Strengthen Rights-Bases Implementation of Cross-Border Agreements," Mr.Salman submitted that "regional integration and free labour migration remain elusive in Africa because African nations did not pursue economic integration before issuing passports." 

Participants at the Workshop 

He explained that this "accounts for failure of regional and African Union travel passports as many African nations refuse to honour them." 

The policy analyst and researcher identified fear of economic domination and language barrier as some of the reasons for failure of regional integration efforts. My

Mr. Salman admonished that "Africa needs to reinvent itself" as he warned that set goal of one Africa by 2060 and the Africa Union Free Movement Protocol (AU-FMP) might remain dreams of the proper things were not done.

The 2-Day dialogue was the second in the series and held at Chelsea Hotels, Abuja from 27-28 November,  2025.

The event drew participation from the media, civil society, Labour unions, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

NSITF Boss: Workplace Safety, Social Protection, Foundational to National Development. …Failure Undermines Nigeria's Obligations, Industrial Court President

Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Falaye has identified workplace safety and social protection as a foundation for national development as they are social pillars of economic stability and national development.

The NSITF MD made this assertion when stakeholders from the legal profession converged in Abuja Monday at the Barcelona Hotels to deliberate on the operationalization of the Employees' Compensation Scheme (ECS) and ways of enhancing its success.

(l-r) Mr. Justice Benedict Bakwaoh Kanyip, President, National Industrial Court of Nigeria and Barrister Olúwaṣeun Mayomi Faleye, MD/CE NSITF 

"Workplace safety and social protection are not optional; they are foundational to our national development, economic productivity, and human dignity."

"They are not just moral obligations, they are pillars of social justice and human dignity, they are pillars of Economic stability and national productivity. They are pillars of peace of mind for workers and risk mitigation for employers."

Participants at the conference 

"When workers are safe, employers thrive and the nation prospers. In short, protecting workers is protecting the nation’s future," he emphasized..

Delving into the rationale for the engagement,  Faleye explained, "The theme of this year’s conference: “Enhancing Stakeholder Collaboration for Sustainable Employees’ Compensation Administration,” aligns perfectly with the call to protect the legal frameworks that guarantee social insurance for Nigerian workers, frameworks that protect against injuries, occupational diseases, or death in the line of duty. According to him, it is also a call for visionary leadership in securing both employee welfare and employer sustainability."

The MD/CE stated that the Employees' Compensation Act (ECA) 2010 established the ECS administered by NSITF to provide adequate and equitable compensation for workers who suffer work-related injuries, diseases, and disabilities including mental health. He continued that the Fund is further mandated to provide compensation and support for the families of employees in case of any fatality.

Other services provided by the Fund, according to Barrister Faleye, are rehabilitation and empowerment after workplace accidents, but most importantly,  prevention of workplace hazards.

Quoting data from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to highlight the enormity of workplace accidents, Barrister Olúwaṣeun Faleye said, "More than 2.8 million workers die annually

from occupational accidents and diseases while over 374 million suffer non-fatal injuries leading to long-term disabilities,” adding that the global cost of poor occupational safety is estimated at 4% of global GDP annually.

He lamented that Nigeria’s situation has been made worse by the lack of proper data, large informal sector of the economy, high risk sectors, and institutional culture of non-adherence to safety and non-compliance.

Going further, the MD acknowledged that the ECA is a better law than its predecessors and that the Fund had made remarkable progress in delivering on its mandate.

He, however, explained that new and emerging challenges necessitated a reworking of the laws to better meet modern needs.

Barrister Faleye therefore, called on the legal stakeholders, especially judges, to help advance the cause; taking social protection as a matter of right, avoiding technicalities in interpretations and through advocacy.

In his keynote address, Justice Benedict Kanyip, President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, thanked Barrister Faleye "for putting up this interactive session meant to be a robust engagement on employees’ compensation scheme (ECS) operations in Nigeria."

He noted that "although the workshop is designed primarily for the benefit of judges of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), the engagement is wide enough to include Registry Staff of the Court, staff of the Commission, lawyers and stakeholders as far as employees’ compensation is concerned.

"Injury in workplaces is today a commonplace. Nigeria is expected to adopt measures that prevent workplace injuries. And where injuries do occur, to compensate for them," he stressed as he explained that "Nigeria, by virtue of its membership of the International International Organisation (ILO), is bound by these twin objectives: to prevent, and compensate for, workplace injuries."

“It is for these that Nigeria ratified the ILO Occupational Safety And Health Convention 1981 (C155) ratified on 3 May 1994 ; and The promotional Framework for Occupational safety and Health Convention, 2006 (C187) ratified on 8 November 2022,” he continued.

Justice Kanyip submitted that "any failure to extend compensation to all victims of occupational injuries would undermine Nigeria’s obligations under the C155 and C187."

Underscoring the inalienable right of workers in this regard he said, "A look at National Occpational Safety and Health Policy will show that Paragraph 4.1(d)

provides that the National OSH Policy applies to all Nigerian

workplaces including formal and informal sector workplaces and

covers the protection of workers and their representatives from

disciplinary measures as a result of actions properly taken to secure

safety and health at work."

Pointing out a weakness in the extant law, Justice Kanyip said, "Where an employer fails to remit his contribution as enjoined by section 33 of the ECA, it remains to be

seen whether an employee, who is a victim of occupational injury but cannot claim from the NSITF under the ECA because of the non-

remittance, can succeed against the employer for statutory negligence i.e. for failure to remit the contribution. Right now, only time will tell."

Financial Institutions Crucial to Workers' Security. _MD/CE NSITF

MD/CE NSITF, Barrister Olúwaṣeun Faleye (middle) with dignitaries at the Conference 

The success of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund,  (NSITF), and that of its Employees' Compensation Scheme (ECS), depends a lot on collaboration with financial institutions, labour unions, governments, and other stakeholders.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of NSITF, Barrister Oluwaseun  Faleye made this known on Friday in Lagos at the 12th Triennial Delegates Conference of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, (ASSBIFI).

Delegates in a session at the Conference 

Speaking on the topic , "The Benefits of NSITF to The Nigerian Worker and The Roles of Financial Institutions in The Success of the Fund," Barrister Faleye said financial institutions "touch every employer, every employee, every organisation."

"Your system drives compliance, accountability, and efficiency. And your partnership can determine how widely, how quickly, and how successfully NSITF can deliver support to workers."

        Solidarity with the MD/CE NSITF 

The MD went on to enumerate specific ways financial institutions could help facilitate the Fund's service delivery to include: driving global compliance with ECS through; support for digital transformation; ensuring faster and real time compensation payments; and building a culture of security awareness.

The NSITF MD had earlier taken the gathering through a list of services provided by the Fund under the ECS. He said the Fund "takes care of injured workers from the moment injury occurs, pays compensation to disabled workers and to families in case of fatality, restrains, and empowers disabled workers under the rehabilitation and return-to-work programme, and works in preventing work related hazards."

"We live in a time when economic pressure threatens the dignity of labour. The worst thing that can happen to a worker is to face injury or occupational disease alone without support. NSITF ensures the worker doesn't walk alone. We are the bridge over sudden hardship, the quiet engine of social protection, and a critical pillar in the national labour ecosystem,” Faleye emphasized.

He therefore called for partnership between NSITF and labour unions, financial institutions, employers, and governments saying, "This is not the time for silence. fragmentation and complancency. It is time for stronger alliance among stakeholders.

The Conference with the theme, “Solidarity in Action: Building Workers' Power and confronting Hardship." had delegates from all ASSBIFI chapters and stakeholders in the sector in attendance.

Fubara: NSITF Projecting Tinubu Government Positively, A Gift to Nigerian Workers. _Vows Rivers State will key in to the Scheme.

His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara (2nd left) flanked on the left by Barrister Olúwaṣeun Faleye, MD/CE, NSITF and right, by Executive Director Operations NSITF, Mrs Mojisolaoluwa Ali-Macauley and Mr Ayodele, Executive Director Finance 

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubura,  has said the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) is projecting the Tinubu Government positively through the Employees' Compensation Scheme(ECS).

Governor Fubara stated this when he received the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye, and his team of of in his office on Wednesday November 19, 2025.

Barrister Faleye and his team had paid a courtesy visit to the Governor in Port-harcourt after presenting cheques to different beneficiaries of the Employees' Compensation Scheme, (ECS) in Port-Harcourt.

Fubara heartily welcomed Barrister Faleye and thanked him for bringing the Employees Compensation Scheme to the notice of the Rivers State Government. 

In his words, “The good work of NSITF, through the Employees' Compensation Scheme, is projecting the Federal Government in a very positive light. In fact, it is a gift to Nigerian workers and everyone who has keyed into the Scheme.”

Governor Fubara also assured that Rivers State would embrace the Scheme. He said, "We are trying in our little ways to improve the fortune of our workers. We will take it as a matter of priority to ensure we subscribe to the Employees' Compensation Scheme managed by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund".

The Governor further opined that the Scheme could come in handy in the fight against corruption. "One way or fighting corruption is for the State to key in into the Employees' Compensation Scheme."

He explained that corruption "is fuelled by the fear of what happens to the individual when they are no longer able to work."

The Governor emphasized the importance of an institution such as NSITF that could allay workers' fear of the future and also give hope to the people.

He expressed his joy that the "Scheme is working and catering for the needs of injured and disabled workers as well as families of deceased ones,” and vowed that "...nothing will stop us from working towards subscribing to the Scheme."

In his address, the MD NSITF, Barrister Olúwaṣeun  Faleye thanked the Governor for the warm reception. He explained his mission in Rivers State was to present cheques to beneficiaries under the ECS and solicit the Governor's support for the Scheme.

"We are here  in Rivers State to present cheques to some private sector employees who are beneficiaries of the Scheme. We are also here to solicit for your support in ensuring that the River State Government subscribes to the Employees' Compensation Scheme in the bid to improve the State workers' welfare,” the MD stated. 

"River State keying into the scheme will be a trailblazer. Rivers can be the leading light of the ECS in the South-South Region,” he solicited. 

Explaining the Scheme to Governor Fubara, Faleye said, "we are mandated by law to implement the ECS in the case of death, injury or diseases that may occur in the course of work. It is instructive to note that our compensation goes on for some while to provide social safety net for employees. 

“In the same vein, it offers a lot economic benefits to the State and its workforce as the Scheme builds resilience in the workforce ecosystem thereby contributing to economic productivity".

The NSITF MD appealed  to Governor Fubara to make NSITF compliance certificate a prerequisite for doing business with the State Government, a suggestion which the Governor readily accepted, noting that Rivers State will start by ensuring that the contractor undertaking its Government Secretariat renovations complies to the ESC.

The Head of Service to the State Civil Service, the Secretary to the State Government were in attendance at the courtesy visit. The NSITF MD was accompanied on the visit by Mrs Mojisola Alli-Macaulay, the Executive Director, Operations, Barrister Nkiru Ogunnaiki, GM Claims and Compensation as well as the Regional Manager of the Port Harcourt Region of NSITF.

NSITF Boss, Faleye, Others Celebrates as Dayo Alao Bags Honorary Doctorate Degree.

Dr Dayo Alao (middle), receiving his certificate 

Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye has celebrated his Technical Adviser, Dayo Alao who was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by Crown University, Delaware, USA.

In his written congratulatory message, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye congratulated Dr. Àlàó on behalf of the NSITF. Describing the award as a well deserved honour,  the MD acknowledged Dr Dayo Alao's contributions to shaping the strategic direction of the Fund as he expressed optimism of more impactful contributions from him.

The award ceremony held at the University of Lagos on Saturday alongside the induction of new members and fellows of the Centre for Public Service Productivity and Development on the sides of the Lagos Leadership Summit.

Dr Dayo Alao, a seasoned administrator, development, and policy expert, holds a first degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan. He obtained his Master of Science in Economic Policy Studies from Trinity College Dublin,with a focus on policy analysis evaluation, competition, and regulation.

Additionally, he earned a certificate in Public Financial Management from Harvard Kennedy Business School.

Currently, the honoree  is a General Manager and Technical Adviser to the MD/CE NSITF.

An accomplished consultant and project manager, Dr. Alao has worked with top global consulting firms such as Accenture UK/Ireland, Ernst & Young (EY) Ireland, and Adam Smith International UK. His international experience spans 27 countries including various African nations, providing advisory services to governments on economic policy, infrastructure development, monitoring, evaluation, and public financial management. Notable projects include his role as EY Integration Programme Manager for Microsoft where he supported the integration of Nokia after it’s acquisition by Microsoft. 

He was also Senior Project Manager on the award-winning FCDO Programme, the Nigerian Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF2).

Dayo also contributed to the development of several of Nigeria's annual federal budgets, the Kaduna State Infrastructure Master Plan, the Nigerian Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, and the National Development Plan 2021-2025. 

His work also extends to various development projects funded by the FCDO, the World Bank, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

"On behalf of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, I warmly congratulate you on being conferred the Honorary Doctorate of  Public Policy and Administration (D. P. A.) by Crown University, USA." Barrister Faleye wrote.

"The distinguished honour is a well-deserved recognition of your vast expertise, dedication, and outstanding contributions to economic policy analysis, financial policy management, infrastructure development, and organizational leadership. Your international experience coupled with your commitment to capacity building and national development, continues to inspire us all. As the Technical Adviser to the ḾD/CE of NSITF, your role in shaping the strategic direction of the Fund is vital, and your achievements reinforce the value you bring to our organization." 

In the same vein, Barrister Samaila Abdul, the Executive Director Administration and Mr Olufemi Ayodele, Executive Director Finance and Investment of NSITF have congratulated the honoree. 

Barrister Samaila Abdul penned, "This honour indeed is a recognition of your impactful service, unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment to excellence" as he wished Dr Dayo Alao "continued success, fulfilment, and ever expanding wisdom."

Mr Ayodele on his part wrote "This prestigious recognition is a reflection of your exemplary leadership and extensive expertise."

"Your dedication and impactful work, both locally and internationally, has continued to inspire us at NSITF." The ED Finance added saying the Fund was proud to have the honoree in its team.

Mrs Linda Alao, wife of Dr Dayo Alao and their sons Mark and David also have glowing words for the honoree.

"We are proud of you and delighted to celebrate this incredible milestone together. Your conferrement of the Honorary Doctor of Public Policy and Administration (D.P.A.) is a testament to your dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment to making a difference." The family said.

The Alao family further eulogized him for passion for Nigeria, hard work,  integrity, and leadership while expressing their gratitude for the good examples he always set for the family.

Employees' Compensation Scheme: NSITF Empowers Nineteen More Beneficiaries

GM Claims and Compensation NSITF, Mrs Nkiru Ede-Ogunnaike (right) presenting toolkit to a beneficiary 

In demonstration of the Oluwaseun Faleye-led Executive Management's commitment to ensuring Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund's (NSITF) fulfilled its mandate of providing social protection for Nigerian workers, the Fund has empowered nineteen more beneficiaries under the vocational rehabilitation programme of the Employees' Compensation Scheme at its mainland office in Lagos.

General Manager Claims and Compensation NSITF, Mrs. Nkiru Ede-Ogunnaike, disclosed that vocational rehabilitation for injured workers was provided for in the Employees' Compensation Act 2010. 

The General Manager, who represented the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye at the occasion in Lagos Monday, explained that the programme involved three phases of Reorientation, vocational training, and empowerment with startup tools.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the NSITF MD, she said the event "marks another milestone in our journey to restore dignity through work for beneficiaries in the Lagos and Ibadan zones."

"Guided by the Employees' Compensation Act 2010, we are building pathways for injured workers to regain independence."

The General Manager who stated that the event was a celebration of "courage, resilience, and the power of second chances,” added that it would soon go nation-wide to ensure other Nigerian workers who lost abilities to continue working due to injuries or disabilities are given new leases of life.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Taiwo Kosoko who was trained in poultry farming and empowered to set up, thanked the management of NSITF for their support and expressed hope for more support that would ensure their lives are reshaped for the better. 

He particularly commended the Fund's MD for transforming the NSITF within a very short while where the impact of the fund is felt by all major stakeholders.

The programme, which was only launched in July 2025, has since benefited fifty seven Nigerians drawn from selected zones.

Workers Union Pass Vote of Confidence on Seun Faleye-led NSITF Management, Rally Minister's Support

The Unions members at a rally

The two major domestic workers’ unions in the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund,(NSITF),  Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions, (ASSBIFI) and the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, (NUBIFIE), have thrown their weight behind the Management team led by the Managing Director, barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, saying the Management has embarked on reconstruction and re-engineering.

The Unions made their position known in a letter to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammadu Dingyadi, signed jointly by the President, ASSBIFI, his General Secretary and their counterparts in NUBIFIE,  

The Unions commended Dr Dingyadi for his efforts in ensuring "a sustainable work environment", ability to entrench decent work value and workers' participation in national development.

Digging into the main issue, the Unions wrote, "Sir, we are equally proud to relate to the leadership qualities of the current Management team of NSITF led by Barrister Olúwaṣeun Faleye who has embarked on reconstruction and re-engineering of NSITF (Fund) to accomplish its strategic objectives since their assumption of duty."

They further commended the management's ability "to drive positive change and ensure that the Fund's resources are utilised effectively,” adding that the management's efforts have yielded significant and visible results as well as improved corporate performance and efficiency.

Among other measures taken to reposition the NSITF for better service delivery, the Unions highlighted, include stoppage of the  digitalisation contract (E-NSITF) and facilitation of amendments to the NSITF Act 1993 and the Employees' Compensation Act 2010, for which they said “some desperate individuals are targeting the management for blackmail.”

The workers’ unions described the digitalisation contract as fraudulent in origin, lacking in value and meeting with stiff opposition from workers right from its inception, adding that users rejected the platform due to contractor's flaws. 

They argued that the cancellation prevented further waste of funds and demonstrated the management's commitment to transparency and accountability in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's transparency agenda while describing it as "a bold step in the right direction … which deserves the support of all." 

In the same vein, NUBIFIE and ASSBIFI NSITF's units said amendments to NSITF Act 1993 and ECA 2010 were long overdue, even as they expressed support for steps taken so far by the Management to amend the enabling Acts, which they argued, were to further enhance the Fund's efficiency and service delivery.

"It is pertinent to state that the amendments are geared towards empowering the Fund, clarify ambiguities, resolve conflicting provisions with other legislations  and provide a firm framework for the Fund's operations so as to provide safety net for workers in Nigeria who may be injured, sick, disabled or die in the course of carrying out their work."

The workers' Unions expressed optimism that the amendments, when passed, would make "the Fund more accessible and better equipped to serve its mandate."

They affirmed their unflinching support for the management in its efforts so far as they condemned "some misleading actions and blackmail against the current management exco by some desperate individuals who are committed to either stagnating or retrogressing the Fund for personal gains."

They therefore, appealed to the Honourable Minister to "disregard such maligning tendencies no matter the status of individuals behind it" and to align with NSITF's "Management's decision to discontinue the digitalisation contract and support the ongoing amendments of NSITF Act 1993 and ECA 2010 by the National Assembly."

They further appealed to the Minister for effective oversight, collaboration, understanding and support for the current NSITF Management's efforts in their sincere pursuit to reposition the Fund to its deserving heights."

The letter to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment was jointly signed by Bala Tijani, President ASSBIFi- NSITF unit, Godwin Ekpah, General secretary, ASSBIFI- NSITF unit and Simon Wenzamma, Chairman, NUBIFIE -NSITF unit and Miller Gudopwa Secretary, NUBIFIE -NSITF unit.

Swift Justice As NAPTIP Secures Life for Teacher Who Raped 9-year-old Pupil

_DG Binta Adamu-Bello hails judiciary. 

It was swift retribution for Abdullahi Abbass, a school teacher at a Kwali-Abuja frontline school as he was sentenced to life Imprisonment by a Federal Capital Territory High Court last Wednesday for raping his 9-year-old pupil. 

Director-General NAPTIP,
Binta Adamu-Bello, OON.

According to a press release signed by Mr Vincent Adekoye, the National Press Officer of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), and made available to Nigeria Point Blank, Justice M. Osho-Adebiyi handed Abbass life imprisonment without an option of fine for a-two-count charge of rape and sexual abuse punishable under Section 2 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) VAPP Act 2015. 

The Convict, Abdullahi Abbass 

"The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has achieved another breakthrough in its fight against sexual violence, as a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, presided over by Honourable Justice M Osho – Adebiyi, sentenced a 19-year-old teacher, Abdullahi Abbass working in one of the foremost schools located in Kwali, to life imprisonment, without option of fine, for raping a 9-year-old pupil." The statement reads. 

"The landmark judgment which underscores the efforts of the present management of NAPTIP under the watch of the Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, as well as the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to protecting children from sexual abuse, came as a moral boost to the state and non – state actors in the implementation of the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP), 2015." 

Reacting to the sentence, Director-General, NAPTIP, Binta Adamu-Bello, OON described it as a landmark judgement, commensurate punishment and a deterrent. She thanked the Judiciary and the Nigerian Police Force for inter-agency collaboration. 

“This is a landmark judgment that carries the commensurable punishment for the offender. This will serve as a deterrent, and his name shall feature prominently in our Sex Offenders Register." 

“I wish to say that the speedy investigation and arraignment of the Convict is a testimony to our renewed commitment and determination to tackle the incidence of domestic violence, rape, and other forms of sexual abuse in the Country." “I thank the Judiciary for the judgment and the Nigeria Police for the inter- Agency collaboration on this case” 

 

As part of the renewed determination to tackle the emerging issues of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and rape in the Country, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, had recently strengthened the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Department of the Agency through capacity building for its Operatives, thereby leading to swift intervention and diligent prosecution of all cases. 

The convict was the class teacher of the victim. On the 19th March 2025, after school hours, he sent another pupil to call the victim from their home. He thereafter took the victim down the street where he lived and raped the male victim through the anus. 

The report indicated that despite the threat from the convict, the victim reported the incident to his mother, which led to his arrest by the Police and the subsequent referral of the case to NAPTIP..

The development underscores the need for victims of sexual abuse to speak out and speak out on time before evidences are destroyed. It highlights the fact that inter-agency collaborations and recognition of each agency's mandate and expertise can only bring success.

NSITF mulls stronger legal enforcement ECS on employers

Abuja Regional General Manager NSITF, Mrs  Bridget Ashang making a presentation

To ensure the Employees' Compensation Act(ECA), achieve its desired impact of improved welfare of workers and safety at the workplace, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), has advocated for movement of institutional accountability from persuasion to enforcement.

In the same vein, the fund called for stronger legal backing which will lead to the review of enforcement provisions on the ECA to increase penalties for defaulters.

The high table

This was the submission of the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun  Faleye speaking through the Abuja Regional Manager, Mrs. Bridget Ashang at the annual conference of the Labour Correspondents Association of Nigeria, (LACAN) in Abuja Thursday.

Dr. Emmanuel Ulayi (left), and a participant 

In a paper titled, "Employees' Compensation Enforcement: Issues and Challenges in the Oil and Gas Industry,"  the NSITF's boss said,  "In the oil and gas industry, where operations involve high capital,

complex processes, and significant occupational hazards, the protection of workers through a strong and enforceable compensation mechanism is not only a statutory obligation — it is a moral duty and an ethical necessity."

A cross-section of participants at the workshop.

"The Employees’ Compensation Act of 2010 was a bold, visionary step by government to protect Nigerian workers against the hazards of their occupations. It replaced the old Workmen’s Compensation regime with a no-fault, employer-funded social insurance system, a safety-net against deprivation and income insecurity."

"In the oil and gas sector, Nigeria’s economic mainstay, this mandate takes on an even deeper urgency. Here, the risks are higher, the stakes greater, and the consequences of neglect, often devastating."

Providing insight to the challenges of enforcement in the sector, Barrister Faleye enumerated non compliance and evasion, outsourcing and casualisation of workers, low awareness and weak sanctions, as well as poor safety culture in the sector.

To combat these problems, the Managing Director explained that the Fund had instituted numerous reforms including periodic inspection of employers records and documents, digitalization of registration and remittance processes, simplification of claims and compensation process, aggressive engagements with stakeholders, inter-agency collaborations and Safety and health measures to prevent workplace hazards.

Mrs Bridget Ashang displays her Award

Going forward, Barrister Faleye called for a review of enforcement provisions in the ECA to increase penalties for defaulters. He further advocated mandating ECS compliance as a precondition for licensing or renewal, and a unified labour data system for seamless monitoring. In addition, he recommended empowerment of labour inspectors through training and resourcing to penetrate even the most remote installations and naming and shaming of defaulters.

The Employees' Compensation Act(ECA) 2010 established the Employees' Compensation Scheme (ECS) with and saddled the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) with the mandate of providing fair and adequate compensation, reorientation, and rehabilitation for workers and dependents of workers and dependents of workers who suffer injuries, diseases, disabilities, and death in the course of work in exchange for payment of one percent Employees' salaries by the employer.

Ochanya's Case: Justice Will Be Served --NAPTIP

A placard with picture of late Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje

The National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons, (NAPTIP) has assured that justice Will be metes out to culprits in the Ochanya rape tragedy.

Addressing protesters from the Justice for Ochanya group at the Agency's Abuja headquarters Friday, Mr. Vincent Adekoya , Head of Media at NAPTIP said, "I can assure you, justice Will be served in this case."

The protesters, mainly young women, gathered outside the NAPTIP office shouting, "What do we want? Justice for Ochanya! When do we want it? Now!" To drive home their frustration over a case that had lingered  since 2018.  Their placards carried messages like, "She could have been a politician, a doctor, a lawyer, etc." one placard read. Another "Justice for Ochanya is justice for all." And yet another, "Reopen the Case: We Stand for Justice."

Some placards displayed the picture of a young man donning earring, named Victor with the caption "Wanted" and a bounty of a thousand US dollars.

Mr. Adekoya welcomed the demonstrators on behalf of the Director-General, Binta Lami Adamu-Bello whom he said shared the grief of all Nigerians over the tragic case of young Ochanya.

"The case of Ochanya is a case that is very dear to her as a mother. And NAPTIP has been concerned about this case right from the beginning."

Mr. Adekoya revealed that the agency prosecuted the woman Ochanya's aunt, Felicia Ogboja, and secured conviction for negligence and failure to protect the young girl. He narrated that the woman's husband was prosecuted by a sister agency and was set free by the court.

Reacting to the protesters' agitation that Victor, son of Felicia Ogboja who had been on the run since, be brought to justice, Mr. Adekoya explained that the Benue command of NAPTIP had been directed to liaise with the concerned sister agency to ensure justice is served.

"The Benue State Ministry of Justice has reopened the case. And the DG has directed we avail them of the evidences at our disposal. Even this morning we have written them.  And our Benue State Command has been directed to lease with the sister agency." He stated.

He stressed that NAPTIP has been living up to its billing to "ensure that no person is brutalized, no person is abused, no person is victimized." He revealed that the agency just secured conviction earlier in the week for a man who raped a nine year old girl.

He assured the that Nigerians would see concerted action and a speedy result in the case.

Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje, from Ugbokolo in Benue State was sent by her mother, Rose Abah, to live with her aunt, Felicia Ogboja  in Markurdi, Benue State.  The mother and daughter hoped Rose would help educate Ochanya for a better future. Contrary wise however, she was serially raped  by her uncle, Andrew Ogbuja and his son, Victor Ogbuja from the age of eight with the knowledge of her aunt. 

Ochanya died in 2018 aged thirteen years from vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) complications.

Ochanya would have been twenty old this year. Her tender heart carried the secret, pain and agony alone for years. She however, confided in her mother in her death bed.

Speaking with Nigeria Point Blank, Mr. Adekoya reaffirmed  NAPTIP would go all out to to ensure justice is served.