The Federal Government has called on the National Assembly to urgently pass the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, highlighting the need to expand Nigeria’s social security ecosystem and improve protections for workers across the country.
Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Muhammad Dingyadi, made the call during a stakeholders’ retreat in Lagos organized by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the Joint Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity.
Dingyadi stressed that Nigeria’s social security system is in need of strategic reforms to broaden coverage, enhance benefits, and ensure long-term sustainability. He emphasized that social security and labour productivity are essential for sustainable economic development and the well-being of the nation’s workforce.
“As Minister of Labour, I am acutely aware of the crucial role social security plays in protecting workers and supporting national productivity,” he said. “Yet, 15 years after the Employee Compensation Act (ECA) became law, enrollment into the scheme remains disappointingly low, depriving many workers and their families of the support they deserve.”
He warned that the current situation leaves many injured or deceased workers’ dependents vulnerable, limiting the country’s ability to harness their potential. Dingyadi called on the National Assembly to accelerate action on key legislative reforms, including amendments to the NSITF Act of 2010 and passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, to align with the ECA.
“This is not just a legislative task; it’s a mission to reposition the Fund and empower it to fully deliver on its mandate,” he added. “We must build a robust social security system that offers real protection against income loss due to unemployment, disability, old age, and other risks.”
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government in implementing meaningful reforms that can transform the social security landscape and improve labour productivity.
“Labour is the only factor of production that is human, skilled, and value-adding,” he said. “But it is also susceptible to illness, injury, and death. This makes strong protection systems not just necessary but urgent.”
NSITF Reports Progress, Calls for Stronger Collaboration
In his remarks, Oluwaseun Faleye, Managing Director and CEO of NSITF, said the retreat reflects growing collaboration between the executive and legislature. He noted that the event was initiated at the request of lawmakers and demonstrates a shared commitment to deepening understanding and strengthening Nigeria’s social welfare systems.
“Between June and July, we disbursed ₦172.5 million to beneficiaries under the Employee Compensation Scheme,” Faleye said. “Enrollment in the formal sector has increased by 151%, reaching nearly 8 million workers.”
He also reported growth in the informal sector, with the number of enrolled small and medium enterprises (SMEs) rising from 6,000 to 15,500, contributing a total of ₦376 million in collections.
Faleye emphasized that the partnership with lawmakers was key to scaling adoption and ensuring compliance, especially at the grassroots level.
Lawmakers, NSITF Board Push for Reforms
Senator Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West, confirmed that the Occupational Safety Bill is currently before the National Assembly and efforts are underway to fast-track its passage. He also highlighted the need for concrete inter-agency collaboration.
“We need more than verbal agreements. There should be written collaborations where ministries, departments, and agencies—including the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), NDE, SMEDAN, and others—actively coordinate with NSITF,” he said. “It’s equally important to engage private sector bodies such as NACCIMA and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, Olushola Olofin, Chairman of the NSITF Board, described the retreat as a timely opportunity to align policies, improve compliance with the Employee Compensation Scheme, and bring Nigeria closer to international best practices.
“This gathering is a unique platform for us to unite, share ideas, and push forward with a shared mission,” he said. “We must use this moment to build stronger collaboration and drive reforms that make a real difference in the lives of Nigerian workers.”
