...As Lagos approves full implementation
 |
| NSITF MD/CE, Barriers Faleye (left) with Head of Service, Lagos State, Mr Bode Agoro at the parley |
The Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has expressed its willingness to support the Lagos State Government to put in place the appropriate institutional framework for the implementation of the Employees' Compensation Scheme (ESC) within the state.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of NSITF, Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye disclosed this when he led the management team on a courtesy call on the Head of Service of Lagos State, Mr. Bode Agoro in his office on Thursday.
He said the purpose of the visit was to establish a clear and structured pathway for the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme within Lagos State.
The MD states: "We would like to assure you of our full readiness to support Lagos State through: Technical onboarding and advisory support, sensitisation across MDAs, LGAs, and public institutions, claims processing and compensation administration and occupational Safety and Health interventions"
He stressed that in order to ensure momentum, "We respectfully seek alignment on the following:Identification of the lead coordinating Ministry or Office; Nomination of a focal person or technical desk; and agreement to convene a joint technical session within the next two weeks".
Speaking about the strategic nature of Lagos, Faleye said "We recognize the scale and sophistication of Lagos State: A large and diverse workforce, multiple MDAs and LGAs, strong administrative and payroll systems".
"We appreciate the opportunity to engage with you on a matter that directly aligns with Lagos State’s development priorities under the THEMES+ Agenda, particularly in the areas of governance, economic sustainability, and health and environment".
The MD further explained that "At this stage, our objective is practical and implementation-focused: To establish a coordination structure between Lagos State and NSITF; and to agree on immediate next steps for a seamless onboarding process".
On the importance of the scheme, Faleye said "The Employees’ Compensation Scheme provides: Structured protection for employees in cases of workplace injury, disease, disability, or death; a framework for managing employer liabilities; and a mechanism for strengthening occupational safety for workers.
"Importantly, ECS serves as a direct enabler of key pillars of the THEMES+ Agenda: Under Economic Sustainability, it protects the workforce that drives productivity and economic output. Under Security and Governance, it strengthens compliance, accountability, and institutional credibility; and under Health and Environment, it promotes safer workplaces and preventive occupational health practices."
"From an operational standpoint, implementation rests on three key pillars: workforce data; contribution structure (1% of payroll); and institutional coordination."
"To ensure clarity and efficiency, we respectfully propose the following: Designation of a Coordinating Authority, a lead Ministry or Office to serve as the State’s anchor for ECS implementation, nomination of a Technical Focal Person / Desk Office, a designated officer or unit to interface directly with NSITF on: data collation Employer compliance Operational coordination Joint Technical Working Framework, A joint team comprising relevant State officials and NSITF representatives to commence workforce data mapping, onboarding design, and contribution modelling."
"We also respectfully highlight an opportunity to institutionalize compliance through existing State processes. This may include integrating NSITF compliance requirements into: Contract bidding, contractor pre-qualification and public procurement frameworks."
"This approach reinforces the Governance pillar of the THEMES+ Agenda by ensuring that all organisations engaging with the State meet minimum worker protection standards."
"We look forward to working closely with your team to translate this into an effective implementation model", the MD requested.
In his response, the HoS, Mr. Bode Agoro expressed appreciation for the gesture and immediately announced the full implementation of the Employees compensation Scheme in the state with the establishment of a unit in the state to manage the scheme.
