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.