The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has urged the Federal Government and key stakeholders to embark on a comprehensive reform of the country’s social protection system to make it more inclusive and resilient in the face of rapid technological change.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, Oluwaseun Faleye, made the call while presenting a paper titled “Social Security and Protection for Nigerian Workers Amid AI Disruption” at the 2025 Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) Workshop, held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Faleye warned that the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already reshaping industries and altering traditional job structures, stressing the need to equip Nigerian workers—particularly those in the informal sector—with a stronger social safety net.
“AI is disrupting the world of work, and Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind,” he said. “We must build a social protection system that safeguards workers, enhances resilience, and supports economic sustainability.”
He noted that while social protection remains central to economic stability, Nigeria’s current coverage level is still low, especially among informal workers who account for over 80 per cent of the labour force. Faleye, however, expressed optimism that AI itself could be harnessed to strengthen social protection mechanisms through digital identity systems, automation, and predictive analytics.
On the sidelines of the workshop, the NSITF reaffirmed its commitment to promptly process benefits and claims for the victims of the Afriland Towers fire disaster in Lagos.
A delegation from the Fund, led by Abdullateef Musa, General Manager of Compliance—representing the NSITF Managing Director—paid condolence visits to the management of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), United Capital Plc, and the families of the deceased victims.
Musa extended the Fund’s sympathies to the bereaved families and organisations, assuring them of expedited benefit payments under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).
“We share in your grief and remain committed to ensuring that affected workers and their dependents receive the support they are entitled to without delay,” he said.
Responding, Innocent Ugwuoke, an Assistant Director at FIRS, commended the NSITF for its swift intervention and empathy, noting that the Fund’s proactive response demonstrated the value of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in protecting workers during crises.
He called for increased public awareness on the benefits of enrolling in the ECS, stressing that more employers and employees need to understand the critical role it plays in workplace safety and welfare.
