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  • N172m compensation for NSITF employees

    N172m compensation for NSITF employees

    The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has disclosed plans to disburse over N172 million compensation to seven employees of different organisations who are beneficiaries of the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS).

    Managing Director, NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye disclosed this in a statement signed by the Deputy General Manager and Head Corporate Affairs Department NSITF Alexandra Mede.

    Faleye said the financial support of the agency was robust enough “to provide the kind of support that will help cushion the effect of these unfortunate incidents when they do occur.”

    Delivering a keynote address at the maiden edition of the International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, Faleye said the NSITF recently paid a total of N43.7million to one employee of the National Assembly, and a staff of Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria.

    The NSITF boss said: “To mention a few, early this year, we paid the sum of N25,000,000.00 (N25 million) to an employee of the National Assembly who suffered a work-related injury and just last week, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund presented a cheque of N18,652,908.20 (Eighteen Million, Six Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eight Naira, Two Kobo) as death benefit to the family of a deceased employee of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria.

    “Next week, I shall, on behalf of the Fund, and in fulfillment of our commitments under the Scheme, be presenting cheques of N31.1 m to an employee of Nestle Nigeria Plc, N4.9m to an employee of Polaris Bank Limited, and N15.4m to a Medplus employee.”

    Read Also: NSITF to disburse N172m compensation to seven employees under ECS

    Others, according to the MD, include “N86m to an employee of Mobil Producing Nigeria, N15.6m to an employee of Zenith Bank Plc, N7.8m to an employee of Alexander Marius Investment Limited, and N11.7m to an employee of Unity Bank Plc.”

    Faleye lamented the poor implementation of the ECS at the state and local government levels, as well as the public sector.

    He said: “Can you imagine how many of our colleagues in the public sector could have benefitted from this Scheme if it had been robustly institutionalised?  Can you imagine employees in over 774 Local Governments across the Federation, 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory being assured of the safety net that the Scheme provides in the case of work-related accidents?

    “This support, in the form of financial compensation, helps employees and their families cope with the financial and emotional strain of unforeseen and unfortunate events, enabling them to recover and return to work or maintain a reasonable standard of living.

    “Another part of our mandate is also to assist the employees to return to work after any work-related injury or illness.  The Employees’ Compensation Scheme supports the rehabilitation of employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, helping them regain their ability to work and reintegrate into the workforce. This promotes a more productive and resilient workforce as employees are better equipped to overcome challenges and return to their roles.

    “One of our mandates that I am particularly proud of is our efforts at preventing workplace accidents and injuries through our various initiatives under our occupational health and safety initiatives where we undertake workplace health and safety audits and awareness with the aim of reducing workplace injuries, occupational diseases and death.

    “Through various initiatives, we encourage employers to prioritise workplace safety and implement measures to prevent accidents and injuries. This proactive approach helps create a safer and healthier work environment, reducing the likelihood of incidents that could trigger compensation claims.

    “In our view, this is what resilience looks like. The knowledge that if you give your all to serve, the system is available to support you wherever and whenever challenges occur. This is what will lead to the rejuvenation of our workforce, this is what will lead to the transformation of our workforce and ultimately lead to the transformation of our lives.

    “That is why I urge all of you present here to be advocates of this Scheme and ensure that it is mainstreamed in your State, Local Government and wherever you exercise influence and leadership. This is about building the social safety net that the law has already provided for, this is about operationalising the law that has been passed for our collective benefit as a people.

    “On our part as the operators of this Scheme, we promise to rededicate ourselves to service, to advocating tirelessly the benefits of the Scheme, to ensuring that the Fund and the Scheme is efficient and effective to meet your aspirations whenever circumstances require it and above all, we promise to be transparent and accountable with the Fund that has been entrusted in our care for your compensation and rehabilitation.”

    Faleye added: “Let us activate the social safety net that is required to build a resilient civil service, so that all staff members can then give their very best for the transformation of our society.”

  • NSITF to disburse N172m compensation to employees

    NSITF to disburse N172m compensation to employees

    The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has disclosed plans to disburse over N172 million compensation to seven employees of different organisations who are beneficiaries of the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS).

    Managing Director, NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye disclosed this in a statement signed by the Deputy General Manager and Head Corporate Affairs Department NSITF Alexandra Mede.

    Faleye said the financial support of the agency was robust enough “to provide the kind of support that will help cushion the effect of these unfortunate incidents when they do occur.”

    Delivering a keynote address at the maiden edition of the International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, Faleye said the NSITF recently paid a total of N43.7million to one employee of the National Assembly, and a staff of Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria.

    The NSITF boss said: “To mention a few, early this year, we paid the sum of N25,000,000.00 (N25 million) to an employee of the National Assembly who suffered a work-related injury and just last week, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund presented a cheque of N18,652,908.20 (Eighteen Million, Six Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eight Naira, Two Kobo) as death benefit to the family of a deceased employee of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria.

    READ ALSO: Four things to know about St Lucia as Tinubu visits Caribbean nation

    “Next week, I shall, on behalf of the Fund, and in fulfillment of our commitments under the Scheme, be presenting cheques of N31.1 m to an employee of Nestle Nigeria Plc, N4.9m to an employee of Polaris Bank Limited, and N15.4m to a Medplus employee.”

    Others, according to the MD, include “N86m to an employee of Mobil Producing Nigeria, N15.6m to an employee of Zenith Bank Plc, N7.8m to an employee of Alexander Marius Investment Limited, and N11.7m to an employee of Unity Bank Plc.”

    Faleye lamented the poor implementation of the ECS at the state and local government levels, as well as the public sector.

    He said: “Can you imagine how many of our colleagues in the public sector could have benefitted from this Scheme if it had been robustly institutionalised?  Can you imagine employees in over 774 Local Governments across the Federation, 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory being assured of the safety net that the Scheme provides in the case of work-related accidents?

    “This support, in the form of financial compensation, helps employees and their families cope with the financial and emotional strain of unforeseen and unfortunate events, enabling them to recover and return to work or maintain a reasonable standard of living.

    “Another part of our mandate is also to assist the employees to return to work after any work-related injury or illness.  The Employees’ Compensation Scheme supports the rehabilitation of employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, helping them regain their ability to work and reintegrate into the workforce. This promotes a more productive and resilient workforce as employees are better equipped to overcome challenges and return to their roles.

    “One of our mandates that I am particularly proud of is our efforts at preventing workplace accidents and injuries through our various initiatives under our occupational health and safety initiatives where we undertake workplace health and safety audits and awareness with the aim of reducing workplace injuries, occupational diseases and death.

    “Through various initiatives, we encourage employers to prioritise workplace safety and implement measures to prevent accidents and injuries. This proactive approach helps create a safer and healthier work environment, reducing the likelihood of incidents that could trigger compensation claims.

    “In our view, this is what resilience looks like. The knowledge that if you give your all to serve, the system is available to support you wherever and whenever challenges occur. This is what will lead to the rejuvenation of our workforce, this is what will lead to the transformation of our workforce and ultimately lead to the transformation of our lives.

    “That is why I urge all of you present here to be advocates of this Scheme and ensure that it is mainstreamed in your State, Local Government and wherever you exercise influence and leadership. This is about building the social safety net that the law has already provided for, this is about operationalising the law that has been passed for our collective benefit as a people.

    “On our part as the operators of this Scheme, we promise to rededicate ourselves to service, to advocating tirelessly the benefits of the Scheme, to ensuring that the Fund and the Scheme is efficient and effective to meet your aspirations whenever circumstances require it and above all, we promise to be transparent and accountable with the Fund that has been entrusted in our care for your compensation and rehabilitation.”

    Faleye added: “Let us activate the social safety net that is required to build a resilient civil service, so that all staff members can then give their very best for the transformation of our society.”

  • NSITF to disburse N172m compensation to seven employees under ECS

    NSITF to disburse N172m compensation to seven employees under ECS

    The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has disclosed plans to disburse over N172 million in compensation to seven employees of different organisations who are beneficiaries of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).

    Managing Director, NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, disclosed this in a statement by the Deputy General Manager and Head Corporate Affairs Department, NSITF, Alexandra Mede.

    Faleye said the financial support of the agency was robust enough “to provide the kind of support that will help cushion the effect of these unfortunate incidents when they do occur.”

    Delivering a keynote address at the maiden edition of the International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, Faleye said the NSITF recently paid a total of N43.7million to one employee of the National Assembly, and a staff of Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria.

    The NSITF boss said, “To mention a few, early this year, we paid the sum of N25,000,000.00 (N25 million) to an employee of the National Assembly who suffered a work-related injury and just last week, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund presented a cheque of N18,652,908.20 (Eighteen Million, Six Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eight Naira, Two Kobo) as death benefit to the family of a deceased employee of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria.

    “Next week, I shall, on behalf of the Fund, and in fulfilment of our commitments under the Scheme, be presenting cheques of N31.1 m to an employee of Nestle Nigeria Plc, N4.9m to an employee of Polaris Bank Limited, and N15.4m to a Medplus employee.”

    Others, according to the MD, include “N86m to an employee of Mobil Producing Nigeria, N15.6m to an employee of Zenith Bank Plc, N7.8m to an employee of Alexander Marius Investment Limited, and N11.7m to an employee of Unity Bank Plc.”

    Faleye lamented the poor implementation of the ECS at the state and local government levels, as well as the public sector.

    He said, “Can you imagine how many of our colleagues in the public sector could have benefited from this Scheme if it had been robustly institutionalised?  Can you imagine employees in over 774 Local Governments across the Federation, 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory being assured of the safety net that the Scheme provides in the case of work-related accidents?

    Read Also: NSITF decries low state compliance with employee compensation scheme

    “This support, in the form of financial compensation, helps employees and their families cope with the financial and emotional strain of unforeseen and unfortunate events, enabling them to recover and return to work or maintain a reasonable standard of living.”

    Faleye added, “Another part of our mandate is also to assist the employees to return to work after any work-related injury or illness.  The Employees’ Compensation Scheme supports the rehabilitation of employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, helping them regain their ability to work and reintegrate into the workforce. This promotes a more productive and resilient workforce as employees are better equipped to overcome challenges and return to their roles.

    “One of our mandates that I am particularly proud of is our efforts at preventing workplace accidents and injuries through our various initiatives under our occupational health and safety initiatives, where we undertake workplace health and safety audits and awareness with the aim of reducing workplace injuries, occupational diseases and death.

    “Through various initiatives, we encourage employers to prioritise workplace safety and implement measures to prevent accidents and injuries. This proactive approach helps create a safer and healthier work environment, reducing the likelihood of incidents that could trigger compensation claims.

    “In our view, this is what resilience looks like. The knowledge that if you give your all to serve, the system is available to support you wherever and whenever challenges occur. This is what will lead to the rejuvenation of our workforce, this is what will lead to the transformation of our workforce, and ultimately lead to the transformation of our lives.

    “That is why I urge all of you present here to be advocates of this Scheme and ensure that it is mainstreamed in your State, Local Government and wherever you exercise influence and leadership. This is about building the social safety net that the law has already provided for; this is about operationalising the law that has been passed for our collective benefit as a people.

    “On our part as the operators of this Scheme, we promise to rededicate ourselves to service, to advocating tirelessly the benefits of the Scheme, to ensuring that the Fund and the Scheme is efficient and effective to meet your aspirations whenever circumstances require it and above all, we promise to be transparent and accountable with the Fund that has been entrusted in our care for your compensation and rehabilitation.”

    Faleye added, “Let us activate the social safety net that is required to build a resilient civil service, so that all staff members can then give their very best for the transformation of our society.”

  • NSITF decries low state compliance with employee compensation scheme

    NSITF decries low state compliance with employee compensation scheme

    The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has expressed concern over the low level of compliance by state governments in enrolling their workers into the Employee Compensation Scheme (ECS), warning that such neglect exposes workers to unnecessary risks and vulnerabilities.

    NSITF Managing Director, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, made the remarks during a visit to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters, where he was received by NLC President, Joe Ajaero.

    In a statement issued by Alexandra Mede, Deputy General Manager and Head of Corporate Affairs at NSITF, Faleye emphasized that the Fund is not a revenue-generating agency but is focused on ensuring workers’ welfare, especially in cases of workplace injuries, diseases, or deaths, as well as promoting occupational safety.

    He stressed that NSITF investments are aimed at sustainability rather than profit-making and called for closer collaboration with the NLC to boost enrollment in the ECS, leveraging the Congress’s nationwide influence.

    Faleye also reminded the NLC of its representation on the NSITF Board, urging the union to actively support efforts aimed at expanding ECS coverage.

    The visit, according to the statement, was part of NSITF’s ongoing drive to increase enrollment in the scheme through stakeholder engagement and inter-agency collaboration. Under the Employee Compensation Act, all employers in both the public and private sectors are required to contribute one percent of their workers’ salaries to the NSITF.

    Read Also: NSITF pledges to promote safety culture in workplace

    The NSITF is mandated to indemnify, compensate and rehabilitate workers affected by workplace injuries, diseases and deaths.

    In his response, the NLC President promised to work with the NSITF to ensure compliance with the ECS.

    He said the scheme is a lofty initiative aimed at improving the working class and expressed his excitement at having the NSITF fully in charge of social security in the country.

    Ajaero also pledged organised labour’s support to NSITF’s awareness campaign geared towards enhanced ECS compliance in the country.

  • NSITF pledges to promote safety culture in workplace

    NSITF pledges to promote safety culture in workplace

    The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye has pledged to promote safety culture within the country, especially in the workplace.

    Faleye made the pledge when the President of the Institute of Safety Professionals in Nigeria, ISPON, Dr Udezi Stephen, paid a courtesy visit to the NSITF Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, and conferred on him the Safety Ambassador Award of the Institute.

    Speaking after the award, the MD stated that the NSITF and ISPON shared a mutual vision in the promotion of safety culture within Nigeria, particularly in the workplaces, and called for further symbiotic collaborations with ISPON.

    He expressed delight at the opportunity to share ideas with the Institute and charged ISPON to mobilise its members to register in the Employee’s Compensation Scheme of the NSITF and help promote it further.

    Faleye commended the ISPON Board for the award which he accepted “on behalf of NSITF” and promised to wear the title “with the utmost responsibility.”

    He added that the award was in recognition of the efforts of the collective staff of NSITF.

    In a statement by Deputy General Manager and head Corporate Affairs, NSITF, Alexandra Mede, Faleye said: “It is important that we continue to collaborate, and continue to look for ways to deepen our collaboration further.

    Read Also: NSITF presents N18.6m cheque to family of deceased employee

    “We believe it’s very critical that we also undertake a sort of symbiotic relationship that allows ISPON to promote ECS within its network.So we really look forward to ISPON encouraging its members and affiliated organisations to not only subscribe, but to actively promote Employee Compensation Scheme across board.”

    The President of ISPON, Dr. Stephen called for collaboration between the two organisations in the area of training and certification of staff on safety and in walk-through audit.

    He expressed amazement at the youthfulness of Barrister Faleye, combined with intelligence and innovations, and commended him for his good works and support for his organisation, which led to the decision of the ISPON Board to confer him with the award of Safety Ambassador.

    Dr. Stephen said he was glad to announce the conferment of the Safety Ambassador Award, which he said would go a long way to further encourage the NSITF MD to continue his good work.

  • NSITF presents N18.6m cheque to family of deceased employee

    NSITF presents N18.6m cheque to family of deceased employee

    The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has presented a cheque of N18,652,908.20 as death benefits to the family of a staff member of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, who died in a road traffic accident while on official duty.

    Speaking at the cheque presentation, Faleye, represented by the Executive Director of Operations, Mojisola Alli-Macaulay, urged all employers to enrol in the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) and consistently fulfil their obligations to ensure more families can access this vital safety net.

    He emphasised that the presentation not only highlights the scheme’s impact but also underlines the critical role employers play in protecting their workers and their dependents.

    Faleye called on employers to encourage workplace safety practices, reduce the risk of occupational hazards, and adopt a proactive approach in reporting work-related injuries or illnesses within the stipulated timelines to avoid penalties.

    He also advised employers to reassign injured or disabled staff to suitable job roles rather than laying them off.

    Commending the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria for its partnership and compliance with the ECS, Faleye reaffirmed NSITF’s commitment to delivering transparent, efficient, and accessible services to all covered workers across both public and private sectors.

    He lauded the efforts of NSITF staff and stakeholders for their dedication to upholding the ideals of the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010 and ensuring prompt benefits for deserving employees and their families.

    Read Also: NSITF begins Occupational Health and Safety audits at workplaces

    The NSITF chief added: “It is with great humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today on behalf of NSITF, to present this cheque to one of our esteemed beneficiaries. Today’s event is not just a routine exercise; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the core values of social protection, compassion, and service.

    “As a Social Insurance Institution, our mandate is to ensure that no employee covered by the scheme is left vulnerable in times of need. Whether it is the unfortunate loss of a loved one, workplace injury, or disability, our goal is to provide timely and dignified support to the affected individuals and families.

    “Today, we are here to fulfil that promise. The cheque being presented today represents more than just financial assistance, it is a token of solidarity, a demonstration of care, and a symbol of our collective responsibility as a society to look after one another.”

  • Employees’ safety

    Employees’ safety

    • It is the duty of stakeholders to work towards this objective

    Taking adequate measures to guarantee the safety of employees in their work places, as well as providing for adequate compensation and justice when they suffer injuries or hazards in the course of their work has become a key feature of a modern, industrial and civilised society. It is thus commendable that the National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has commenced moves to intensify the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme for public workers in Nigeria, as provided for in the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA).

    The Scheme legally compels employers in the public and private sectors to pay claims and compensation to all workers for injuries, disabilities, diseases that arise in the workplace, or death in the course of duty to the affected workers’ dependants.

    This work-related form of social insurance is administered by the NSITF which is the statutory body responsible for implementing the Employees’ Compensation Act, passed into law in 2010 to replace the former Workmen’s Compensation Act of 2004.

    Earlier, in 1994, the Federal Government had ratified Convention 155 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Environment in demonstration of the country’s commitment to international best practices as regards workplace safety and employees’ protection.

    Briefing the Head of the Federal Civil Service, Mrs Esther Walson-Jack, on plans towards surmounting the barriers to the service-wide implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in the Federal Civil Service, the Managing Director of NSITF, Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, said the organisation was set to commence sensitisation of the federal public servants on their rights under the Employees’ Compensation Act.

    The importance of such public enlightenment campaign cannot be overemphasised as workers can only take advantage of the rights they are aware of. They must also be acquainted with the procedures provided for in the law for the pursuit of such rights in cases of workplace hazards.

    For instance, employees must be aware of the time frame within which to notify employers of any injuries or disabilities in the course of duty and apply for compensation. Furthermore, the extent of compensation depends on the degree of injury, the number of dependants in case of death, and other stipulations in the law that workers must have knowledge of.

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    It is also important that employers are properly enlightened about their obligations to their workers under the law, as ignorance will not be an acceptable excuse should they prove negligent in fulfilling such responsibilities.

    Employers are expected to contribute one per cent of employees’ monthly payroll to the Employees’ Compensation Fund managed by the NSITF in the first two years of the commencement of the Employees’ Compensation from which requisite payments will be disbursed.

    Experts report an increase in workplace accidents in Nigeria, although accurate and up-to-date statistics are not readily available. The large number of unreported cases means that the extent of the problem of occupational injuries and hazards is difficult to determine. And there is no way that workplace accidents and injuries can be effectively tracked with a view to ensuring payment of compensation where necessary, if substantial numbers of such incidents are not reported.

    It is thus the responsibility of the NSITF, the Ministry of Labour and Productivity and other regulatory agencies to enforce strict adherence to safety regulations by employers, ensure increased safety awareness and compliance and foster a culture of safety in workplaces.

    There is also the need to continually upgrade and improve on existing laws to maintain high safety standards in workplaces and provide adequate protection for workers. Proper attention to safety concerns will reduce the incidence of workplace accidents and the need to pay compensation after the damage has been done.

    For instance, the Labour, Safety, Health and Welfare Bill passed by the National Assembly in 2012 aims to establish a National Council for Occupational Safety and Health to promote safety awareness, monitor compliance and enforce occupational and health safety measures but has reportedly not received presidential assent.

     It is desirable that the requisite agencies work closely with the legislature to re-present this bill and facilitate its being signed into law to further enhance the prospects of workplace safety and employee protection.

    And, beyond the federal civil service, there is the need to provide for, monitor and enforce high workplace safety standards at the sub-national levels of government, as well as the private sector.

  • NSITF begins Occupational Health and Safety audits at workplaces

    NSITF begins Occupational Health and Safety audits at workplaces

    The Managing Director, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye said the agency has commenced Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) audits at workplaces in a bid to ensure safety of workers in line with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention.

    Faleye said this at the ongoing 113 session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) holding in Geneva, Switzerland.

    In a statement by the Deputy General Manager and head Corporate Affairs, NSITF, Alexandra Mede the MD used the platform to explain to the international community the efforts of the Federal Government and NSITF at improving social security, as well as workplace health and safety and overall welfare of Nigerian workers.

    Faleye said the conference was a veritable platform for engagement on workplace health and safety, worker’s welfare, and social security.

    He said: “This sort of platform is great for advocating a lot of things that relate to the place of work. One, the safety of workers in different forms. Second is the enhancement of workers’ welfare to further build the resilience in the workplace that we strive for.

    “It has been a great platform for us to share ideas, to deepen our capacity, and of course, to enhance further collaboration with the ILO itself, and sister organisations that are all interested in enhancing workplace safety. So far, for me and my colleagues, really, it has been a veritable platform for engagement.”

    He said the NSITF had been making efforts to ensure that the workplace was conducive and workers who suffered injury at work could also get a reprieve on time.

    Faleye pointed out that decent work was within the mandate of NSITF, and related to its responsibilities under the Health and Safety Environment (HSE).

    The NSITF boss said: “This is why we collaborate with employers to make workplaces safe and further deepen all of the issues regarding health and safety in the workplace. That’s why we’re at the forefront of undertaking OSH audits in organisations and creating the awareness and of course, the way it works for us here when we come to a platform like this is to further broaden our knowledge and our capacity in bringing cutting-edge standards relating to HSE so that we can take it back home and further engage within that ecosystem.

    “So for us, promoting decent work is really doing more within that core mandate of HSE and that takes us to the other issue of employees’ compensation itself when there are injuries.

    “The synergy between a decent and safe working environment also impacts on employee injury and the threshold about that. So, when we improve HSE components within workplaces, you see that injuries and all of that come relatively down.

    “We’re also very open and responsible to our mandate regarding prompt payment of compensation, and we’ll continue to do that.”

    He pointed out that NSITF was in the forefront of engaging with the Federal Government to activate and operationalise the Employees’ Compensation Scheme within the system.

    He stated: “The Federal Government has always been ready. The law is a federal law, so that readiness is there. I think it’s implementation that has been the issue, and we’ve engaged with them. The Office of the Head of Service of the Federation is engaging with us to ensure that that operationality is sustained, and we’ll push that going forward.

    Read Also: NSITF seeks adoption of AI, digitalisation in workplace

    “In terms of OSH audit, as an employer, if you are subscribed to the scheme, it’s our responsibility to then come in at intervals to audit your workplace, and to also give you tips and create awareness within your organisation as to what a safe working environment should be. We are responsible and open to that responsibility. We’ll continue to really drive that initiative within the employers’ ecosystem in Nigeria.”

    He assured that the informal sector was being integrated under the scheme, as there are enormous opportunities there.

    According to him, the responses from the informal sector have been great, adding that “once people hear the benefits and the advantages of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, we tend to get very robust and positive responses and I’m glad about that.

    He added: “We will continue to engage. Part of our key work is really advocacy and I’m happy with the responses we’ve gotten so far.”

  • Technology, digital skills critical to service delivery – NSITF boss

    Technology, digital skills critical to service delivery – NSITF boss

    The Managing Director, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has said that technology, digital skills and literacy are critical tools to boost service delivery in the operations of the agency and other government parastatals.

    Faleye said the agency was committed to specialised and continuous training of its staff to ensure effective service delivery.

    He pointed out that NSITF was embracing and employing every measure to deepen in-house capacity, and work with any organisation that would help achieve this purpose.

    While announcing a partnership with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Faleye stressed that a mini-committee be put in place to work out all modalities for the training and retraining of the NSITF workforce in the area of digital literacy and proficiency.

    The NSITF Managing Director said this when the President/CEO of the DBI, David Daser, paid a courtesy visit to him in Abuja.

    Mr Daser had sought the partnership of the NSITF with the DBI, the foremost institute in information and Communications Technology (lCT) training, which was established by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), 21 years ago.

    The NSITF boss, while appreciating and commending the contributions of DBI, to digital literacy in the country, said the certification from the institute would be very helpful to NSITF and other agencies of government and workers across all sectors.

    Faleye said: “The Certification will be helpful. We are very critical in our technological journey. Training and retraining will play a critical role in that direction. As long as you will add value to us we would engage you.

    “The two key items that you’ve mentioned are therefore very central to what we want to achieve in the context of building the capacity of our staff in-house to be able to use technology for service delivery.

    Read Also: First Lady expands food security drive to vulnerable groups nationwide

    “We hosted a conference whose theme was using AI, Artificial Intelligence to further harness the opportunities and the deliverables that we have within the Health and Safety environment. As you may know, health and safety is a critical part of our mandate.

    “I’m sure that when you sit with our in-house team, you will be able to find a middle ground or an alignment, about this sort of certification that is relevant to us and we can take it forward. With the HR team and the ICT team, we would be able to develop a specific program that is suited for exactly what we do. And the same thing with training.”

    The MD therefore, directed his ICT and HR team to harmonise “what the requirements are, what our needs are internally, and then be able to determine who is best able to provide that assistance to us.”

    The DBI President said the institute was geographically spread across the country to cater for an institution like the NISTF with workers spread across the country.

    Daser said: “We have partners we can actually leverage in case we have to do something in the South-South, and other geopolitical zones of the country. So why we are here is to seek a collaboration, to help you achieve your vision for NSITF. We want to serve as a friend, partner in progress for you here.”

  • NSITF seeks adoption of AI, digitalisation in workplace

    NSITF seeks adoption of AI, digitalisation in workplace

    The Managing Director of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, (NSITF), Barr Olawaseun Faleye has advocated the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digitalisation in ensuring workers safety in Nigeria.

    Speaking at the Occupational Safety and Health Forum in commemoration of the World Day of Safety and Health organised by the agency, Faleye, advised that in embracing technology, care should be taken not to forget the core things that drive safety and health in the workplace.

    He said that AI would introduce innovations in workplace safety with prediction, prevention and protection revolutionised, which will in turn, promote safety and health in the workplace.

    The MD emphasised the need for continuous learning and adaptation, Investing in training and education to ensure workers are proficient in utilising tools.

    In a statement by the Deputy General Manager and Head Corporate Affairs Department at NSITF, Alexandria Mede the MD further advocated the need for ensuring appropriate compliance ethics and proper safeguards are put in place.

    READ ALSO: Seyi Tinubu and sirens of hypocrisy

    He called for reaffirmation “of our commitment to workers safety.”

    Faleye thanked the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) for its continued support and commended the organising team for putting in their best.

    He said the topic was timely and pivotal in reshaping safety in workplaces.

    Executive Director of Operations at NSITF, Mrs Mojisolaoluwa Alli-Macaulay, said it was a gathering of experts, practitioners and stakeholders to brainstorm on the best practices and challenges in adoption of AI and digitalisation for safety and workers well-being.

    She said the aim was to equip OSH professionals with the required knowledge and skills to tap into AI and digitalisation, as well as tackle its challenges for a safer and healthier workplace in Nigeria.

    DG NECA, Mr Smart Oyerinde lamented that the workplace environment in Nigeria is not in the best state.

    He said the event was an opportunity to restate commitment to workers’ safety and deepen partnership among stakeholders.

    According to him, AI is shaping things and how “we respond to safety in the workplace.”

    The DG reinstated NECA’s commitment to a safer and healthier work environment for the Nigeria workers, revealing ongoing free training in this regard.

    Also, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standard, David ldris Zakarias lauded the NSITF MD for his courage and doggedness in improving the NSITF.

    He posited that AI had potential to transform the way we prevent, monitor and respond to hazards.

    The Committee Chairman advocated a worker centred approach saying, “Behind every tool and innovation are humans. An innovation can only be measured in the form of the lives it actually protects.”

    He affirmed that the House remained steadfast in “our collective pursuit of safety in the workplace.”