NSITF Pushes Safer Workplaces, Stronger Protection for Vulnerable Workers

Oluwaseun Monday Faleye Esq
Managing Director/CEO NSITF 

"The Fund’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) remains a critical safety net for workers who suffer injuries, disabilities or occupational diseases in the course of their duties." Faleye

..... "NSITF regularly inspects workplaces, advises employers on corrective measures and promotes safer and more inclusive working environments for employees, especially persons living with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups.

Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr. Oluwaseun Monday Faleye Esq.,  has again reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable workers through improved occupational safety standards and expanded social protection measures.

Barr Faleye, who made the declaration during a panel session at the recently concluded International Civil Service Conference, where stakeholders examined strategies for building inclusive public services for women, youths, persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, said the Fund’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) remains a critical safety net for workers who suffer injuries, disabilities or occupational diseases in the course of their duties.

Represented by the NSITF Abuja Regional Manager, Bridget Ashang, the NSITF boss disclosed that "the scheme ensures that affected employees and their dependants receive support, including in cases of permanent disability or death."

“NSITF runs the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, a social protection and social security programme for employees. If there is any incident leading to injury, disability or disease in the course of work, the Fund takes care of the employee and dependants,” he said.

Stressing that, "beyond compensation," Faleye said "the agency is increasingly prioritising prevention through workplace safety audits and compliance monitoring aimed at reducing occupational hazards."

He noted that NSITF regularly inspects workplaces, advises employers on corrective measures and promotes safer and more inclusive working environments for employees, especially persons living with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups.

The NSITF chief argued that workers remain one of the most overlooked vulnerable groups in society despite facing daily risks associated with commuting and workplace activities.

He lamented that conversations around social welfare often focus on children, healthcare and pensions while neglecting the protection of active workers who drive the economy.

“What about the working group? The most vulnerable group in the world all the time; commute to work, spend hours at work, and do all sorts of work. Those are the ones NSITF is concerned about,” he said.

Faleye also reiterated the agency’s belief that “prevention is better than cure,” noting that many disabilities arise from unsafe work environments that could have been avoided through stronger occupational safety measures.

He, however, decried the absence of punitive sanctions in the law guiding workplace safety compliance, saying the legislation largely focuses on ensuring workers are adequately protected rather than punishing defaulting employers.

Other panellists at the session included Kachallom Daju, Hansatu Adegbite, Olubunmi Olusanya, Beatrice JD Agba, Jake Epelle and Kristin Envig.