The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr. Olúwaseun Mayomi Faleye, has called for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s social protection system to address emerging risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace.
Faleye made the call in a presentation titled “Social Security and Protection for Nigerian Workers Amid AI Disruption” at the 2025 Labour Writers Association of Nigeria Workshop held in Ibadan.
According to him, technological innovations — particularly AI — are transforming work patterns and introducing new categories of occupational risks beyond physical injuries traditionally associated with factory environments.
“Work-related risks are no longer limited to physical injuries. They now include technological displacement, income instability, and psychological stress caused by rapid workplace changes,” Faleye said.
“Social protection must evolve. We must rethink coverage, redefine risk, and reimagine support. In the era of AI, social security must not only compensate — it must empower.”
He emphasized the need for intentional policies and sustained investments in social protection systems to safeguard workers’ welfare in an AI-driven economy.
Speaking on the theme “The Future of Work in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Wake-Up Call for Stakeholders,” Faleye cautioned that Nigeria must act swiftly to prevent its workforce from being marginalized as AI continues to reshape global industries.
“The future of work is already here, and the choices we make today will define the dignity of labour for generations to come,” he noted. “AI is not the enemy of labour — ignorance is. The real danger lies in not preparing, not adapting, and not protecting.”
While acknowledging AI’s potential to boost efficiency and productivity, Faleye expressed concern over its tendency to displace traditional jobs across various sectors — from factories to offices and financial institutions.
He identified several challenges limiting effective social protection in Nigeria, including low coverage, the dominance of the informal sector, which accounts for over 80 percent of the economy but remains largely outside the safety net, and limited awareness of workers’ rights under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme operated by NSITF.
Despite these challenges, the NSITF boss maintained that AI could also serve as a powerful tool to strengthen social protection mechanisms.
“AI offers tools to make social protection more efficient — from digital identity systems that verify workers, to predictive analytics that detect fraud or anticipate workplace risks before they occur,” he explained.
Faleye outlined key priority areas for reform, including:
- Expanding social security coverage and access;
- Investing in digital literacy and worker reskilling;
- Leveraging AI for social protection delivery;
- Strengthening collaboration among government, labour, and employers; and
- Ensuring workers’ welfare remains central to all technological innovation.
He also urged journalists to raise public awareness about the changing nature of work and the need for protection in an AI-driven era.
Faleye concluded on an optimistic note, assuring that with the right policies, preparation, and adaptation, “the future will be bright, and no Nigerian worker will be left behind.”?
