The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has called on members of the legal profession to actively promote the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) and lead by example through compliance.
Managing Director of the NSITF, Mr. Olúwaṣeun Faleye, made the appeal in Enugu during the 65th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
According to a statement by the Fund’s Deputy General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Alex Mede, Faleye described the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010 as transformative, noting that lawyers, judges, and policymakers have a critical role to play in boosting awareness, advocacy, and enforcement.
“Beyond advocacy, the most crucial expectation we have of you is to lead by example. All law firms in Nigeria should subscribe to the Employees’ Compensation Scheme,” Faleye said.
Delivering a lead paper titled “Enhancing Workplace Safety and Social Protection: The Role of Employees’ Compensation Act 2010” at a breakout session, the NSITF boss further proposed that compliance with the ECA be made a prerequisite for elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
He urged corporate lawyers to sensitize their clients on the benefits of the scheme, stressing that the social protection guaranteed under the Act is tied to fundamental human rights.
Highlighting the occupational risks associated with legal practice, Faleye pointed out that lawyers face hazards ranging from injuries and fatalities during work-related travel to health challenges such as chronic back pain and stress-induced breakdowns.
“Law practice, particularly litigation and dispute resolution, carries its own risks. Lawyers travel across the country advocating for clients, and in the process are exposed to accidents, illnesses, and mental strain,” he noted.
Faleye’s call reinforced NSITF’s push for greater compliance with the ECS, which provides compensation for employees in cases of workplace injuries, disabilities, or death.
