The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has reiterated the importance of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) in supporting Nigerian workers who suffer injuries in the course of their duties.
Speaking in Abuja during the presentation of prosthetic limbs to 10 beneficiaries, Faleye noted that the scheme plays a critical role in rehabilitating injured workers and facilitating their reintegration into society.
Represented at the event by the General Manager, Claims and Compensation, Mrs. Nkiru Ogunnike, the Managing Director emphasized that the ECS extends beyond statutory compensation. According to him, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to restoring confidence and preserving the dignity of workers affected by occupational hazards.
He observed that workplace accidents often result not only in physical injuries but also in emotional trauma and uncertainty about the future. In many cases, he said, a single incident can permanently alter the trajectory of a worker’s life.
Faleye explained that the intervention of the NSITF through the ECS provides affected individuals with an opportunity to rebuild their lives and regain independence.
Highlighting specific cases, he cited the experiences of Daniel Etim and Festus Okpara as examples of the scheme’s impact.
Daniel Etim, a staff member of the University of Uyo Printing Press, lost his arm in May 2024 after it was caught in an industrial machine during routine operations. Following the incident, the NSITF covered his medical expenses and subsequently provided him with a prosthetic arm as part of his rehabilitation.
Similarly, Festus Okpara, who lost his hand in a workplace accident in 2015, lived for years with the physical and emotional challenges associated with his condition. Through the intervention of the NSITF, he was fitted with a silicone prosthetic hand, enabling him to regain confidence and improve his social interactions.
Faleye noted that such interventions demonstrate the broader mandate of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme as a social protection mechanism designed to ensure that workers who experience workplace injuries, disabilities, occupational diseases, or death are adequately supported.
He further stressed that these cases highlight an often-overlooked dimension of workplace accidents—the psychological and emotional effects that persist long after physical recovery.
According to him, the ECS continues to serve as a vital safety net for workers in both the public and private sectors, reinforcing the government’s commitment to worker welfare.
Reflecting on the impact of the intervention, Okpara expressed appreciation to the NSITF, stating that the prosthetic hand has significantly improved his quality of life and reduced the emotional burden associated with his condition.
The 10 beneficiaries are part of a larger group of 78 individuals who have recently received artificial limbs under the NSITF’s ongoing rehabilitation and reintegration programme.
