The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has commended the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) for its impactful presentation at the association’s 65th Annual Conference in Enugu, describing it as an “eye opener” on the workings of the Fund and the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).
Chairman of the NBA Gwagwalada Branch, Owhor Clever (Esq), made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the NSITF headquarters in Abuja. He praised the management team led by Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye for delivering what he called a “brilliant and enlightening” presentation at the conference.
“The NSITF outing at our 65th annual conference in Enugu was an eye opener for many lawyers in Nigeria on the functions of the Fund and the Employees’ Compensation Act. The NSITF team deserves commendation for their brilliant presentation,” Clever said.
He, however, lamented that many Nigerian workers had been left destitute after workplace injuries due to poor awareness and non-compliance with existing laws.
Responding, NSITF Managing Director, Oluwaseun Faleye, represented by Executive Director of Administration, Barrister Samaila Abdu, urged lawyers to use their influence with clients to promote compliance with the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010.
“Lawyers have a duty to advise clients on how they can key into the Employees’ Compensation Scheme. We have a duty to ourselves and to our clients,” Faleye noted.
He revealed that the Fund plans to embark on sensitisation visits to NBA branches nationwide to further raise awareness on the benefits of the ECS. According to him, the law is both a legal reform and a moral commitment to safeguard workers affected by occupational accidents.
At the Enugu conference, Faleye delivered the lead paper at the VI Breakout Session, titled: “Enhancing Workplace Safety and Social Protection: The Role of Employees’ Compensation Act 2010.”
The NSITF said it is ready to collaborate with the NBA, particularly the Gwagwalada branch, on training and sensitisation initiatives to strengthen compliance and deepen understanding of the scheme across the legal community.
