NSITF, NBA Move to Close Legal Gaps in Workers’ Protection

"The engagement is expected to shift attention from mere awareness of workers’ rights and employers’ obligations to stronger enforcement of the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010, particularly in areas of employer compliance, payroll transparency and access to compensation benefits." 

.... A major issue expected to dominate the session is the alleged under-declaration of payrolls by employers and the outright exclusion of some workers from official payrolls.

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) is set to lead a major legal discourse on strengthening workplace protection and social security for Nigerian workers at the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The session, scheduled for the NBA-AGC holding from August 21 to 28, will be led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the NSITF, Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, under the theme, “Expanding the Legal Frontiers of Workplace Protection and Social Security Beyond Limits in Nigeria.”

The engagement is expected to shift attention from mere awareness of workers’ rights and employers’ obligations to stronger enforcement of the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010, particularly in areas of employer compliance, payroll transparency and access to compensation benefits.

Faleye is expected to highlight the Fund’s efforts to expand coverage of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme and strengthen collaboration with the judiciary and legal practitioners in enforcing the provisions of the ECA.

A major issue expected to dominate the session is the alleged under-declaration of payrolls by employers and the outright exclusion of some workers from official payrolls.

The NSITF said such practices could undermine workers’ entitlement to compensation and other benefits under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.

The discussion will also examine the legal implications of payroll under-declaration, employer compliance and the role of lawyers in ensuring that statutory obligations are fulfilled.

The Employees’ Compensation Act, administered by the NSITF through the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, provides compensation, medical care and rehabilitation for workers who suffer injuries, occupational diseases or death in the course of employment.

However, despite the legal framework, gaps remain in awareness, compliance and enforcement, with the NSITF seeking stronger partnerships with the legal community to bridge the divide between legislation and implementation.

The Fund has emphasised that legal practitioners remain critical stakeholders in promoting compliance with statutory obligations, protecting employees’ rights and supporting enforcement of the Act.

The Port Harcourt session is therefore expected to bring together lawyers, judges, policymakers and other stakeholders to explore practical legal strategies for extending social protection to more workers across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.

The NBA Annual General Conference, regarded as the largest gathering of legal professionals in Nigeria, is expected to attract thousands of lawyers, judges and policymakers for discussions on law, governance, justice and other national issues.