The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has called on members of the legal profession to champion the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) and demonstrate leadership through compliance.
Managing Director of NSITF, Barrister Olúwaseun Faleye, made the appeal in Enugu while addressing participants at the 65th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Faleye stressed that the success of the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010 cannot rest solely on the NSITF, but depends on the interpretation, advocacy, and enforcement by lawyers, judges, and policymakers.
“Beyond advocacy, we expect lawyers to lead by example. Every law firm in Nigeria should be subscribed to the Employees’ Compensation Scheme,” he said.
Presenting the lead paper titled “Enhancing Workplace Safety and Social Protection: The Role of Employees’ Compensation Act 2010” at a breakout session, the NSITF boss proposed making compliance with the ECA a prerequisite for attaining the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Highlighting risks faced by legal practitioners, Faleye noted that lawyers are exposed to occupational hazards such as travel-related accidents, long-term back pain from prolonged sitting, and mental health challenges linked to work pressure.
“Law practice, whether in litigation or corporate services, comes with significant risks. Sadly, most law firms are yet to comply with the Employees’ Compensation Scheme,” he lamented.
