The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has promised to provide compensation and relief to victims and families affected by last week’s Afriland Towers fire in Lagos, which claimed at least 10 lives and left several others injured.
Managing Director and Chief Executive, Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, said the Fund’s Lagos support desk has been directed to work with affected employers, next of kin, and relevant authorities to ensure that eligible employees and their dependants can access benefits under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).
Swift Response and Condolences
Faleye expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, condoling with bereaved families as well as organisations impacted, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service, United Capital Plc, UBA, and Afriland Properties.
He commended the emergency response team and Lagos State authorities for their swift intervention, describing their efforts as “encouraging.”
Relief and Support Measures
According to Faleye, NSITF case officers are already on ground to guide families and employers through incident reporting, claims documentation, and access to benefits such as dependant support and rehabilitation services where applicable.
“This solemn moment is a reminder of what NSITF stands for in times of workplace tragedy,” he said. “We exist to provide a national safety net for employees and their families when occupational injuries, illnesses, or fatalities occur.”
Call for Stronger Workplace Safety
Beyond the compensation process, Faleye urged employers to tighten safety and emergency protocols, particularly in high-rise buildings and with power-backup systems.
He also stressed the importance of timely incident reporting to NSITF and compliance with Employees’ Compensation obligations to ensure workers remain fully covered.
