NSITF is committed to protecting vulnerable workers --Faleye

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NSITF has enrolled over 7.6m workers into ECS

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

Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, MD/CE NSITF at the conference 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beneficiaries of the prosthetic limbs with Mrs. Ogunnaike

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Dr Emmanuel Ulayi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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