The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Oluwaseun Faleye, has called for broader social security coverage for Nigerian workers, warning that changing employment patterns are creating new protection gaps.
Faleye said social security should be treated as an investment in human dignity, social stability and economic resilience rather than merely an administrative process.
He spoke on Friday in Lagos at the annual workshop of the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria, themed, “Workers at the Centre of Nigeria’s Political Transition: Defending Rights, Advancing Welfare and Building Economic Justice.”
In a paper titled, “Social Security and Workers’ Welfare in Nigeria’s Political Transition: Closing the Protection Gaps and Building a Sustainable Safety Net,” Faleye said social security should provide support to people facing circumstances beyond their immediate control.
He was represented at the event by the Deputy General Manager and Head of Corporate Affairs, Alexerdra Mede.
“When we discuss social security, we sometimes become preoccupied with institutions, regulations, contributions and statistics. But at its heart, social security is about people,” he said.
Faleye noted that developments in technology, including artificial intelligence, automation, remote work and the expansion of the gig economy, were reshaping employment relationships and raising questions about how workers outside traditional arrangements could be protected.
He warned that technological progress should not leave people who remain economically active without adequate social security coverage.
According to him, addressing the gaps requires greater public awareness, employer compliance, accessible services, reliable data, efficient institutions and sustained cooperation among stakeholders.
NSITF highlights Employees’ Compensation Scheme
Faleye described the Employees’ Compensation Scheme administered by the NSITF as a key mechanism for protecting workers against occupational injuries, disabilities and other work-related risks.
He said the scheme represented a social compact involving employers, employees, workplaces and the wider society, adding that its effectiveness depended largely on awareness and compliance with employers’ statutory responsibilities.
The NSITF chief called on government, organised labour, employers, the media and development partners to work together towards building a sustainable social protection system for workers and their families.
He said such collaboration was particularly important during Nigeria’s political transition, when economic and social risks could affect workers’ livelihoods.
At the event, the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria honoured Faleye with its Champion of Workers’ Social Security and Safety Award, recognising his leadership in promoting workers’ social security and safety.
