The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has extended its Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) to over 7.6 million workers, as part of ongoing reforms to strengthen worker protection and improve social security compliance nationwide.
The Managing Director of the fund, Oluwaseun Faleye, disclosed this during the 2026 International Civil Service Conference. He said the reforms are focused on digital transformation, transparency, and broader coverage across both public and private sectors.
A key milestone highlighted was the inclusion of the Nigeria Police Force in the scheme for the first time. Faleye said this would improve morale among officers by providing financial protection for them and their families in cases of injury or death in the line of duty.
He explained that the agency’s reform efforts are aimed at improving efficiency, increasing compliance, and restoring confidence in the scheme, which was established under the Employees’ Compensation Act of 2010.
According to him, when he assumed office in July 2024, the NSITF faced challenges such as slow claims processing, low awareness, and inconsistent compliance. These issues prompted targeted reforms to make the agency more responsive and transparent.
As part of governance improvements, the Fund partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to strengthen accountability and anti-corruption systems.
The NSITF has also introduced digital tools, including automated workflows and real-time claims tracking, to enhance service delivery.
To expand coverage, the agency has increased engagement with employers and state governments. It recently signed an agreement with the Lagos State Government to fully implement the scheme for state workers. It is also advocating the use of ECS compliance certificates in public procurement to boost participation.
In terms of performance, the Fund processed over 22,000 claims in 2024 and recorded a 21% increase in payouts. Compensation included N90 million to a worker at Seplat Energy, N76 million to the family of a Nigerian Breweries employee, N31 million for medical support for a Nestlé Nigeria worker, and N42.5 million to the family of a Depthwize Nigeria employee.
Faleye noted that strong worker protection systems are essential for economic stability, productivity, and investor confidence. He added that organisations with effective welfare structures are better positioned for sustainable growth.
The NSITF also collaborated with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association and the Nigeria Labour Congress on the 2025 Safe Workplace Intervention Project, which assessed over 200 workplaces to improve safety standards.
He further stated that the Federal Government’s directive mandating ECS coverage for all federal workers reflects a stronger national commitment to social protection.
Faleye concluded that as workplaces evolve with digitalisation and artificial intelligence, institutions must adopt proactive measures to manage risks and protect workers.
