The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has called for closer collaboration with the Taraba State Government to strengthen implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).
Faleye made the appeal during a courtesy visit to Governor Agbu Kefas at the Government House in Jalingo, describing the engagement as part of a broader strategy to build structured partnerships with state governments committed to workers’ welfare and institutional sustainability.
He emphasised that the Employees’ Compensation Scheme goes beyond statutory compliance, describing it as a critical social protection mechanism that safeguards workers’ dignity while ensuring stability for employers.
“When a worker is injured, disabled, or loses his life in the course of duty, the response of government defines public trust and reinforces confidence in leadership,” Faleye said, adding that expanding ECS coverage aligns with the governor’s worker-focused agenda.
Push for Measurable Outcomes
Faleye stressed the need to translate discussions into concrete results. He proposed expanding ECS compliance across state ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), intensifying sensitisation campaigns targeting major employers and contractors in Taraba, and strengthening awareness around workplace safety and compensation rights.
To ensure accountability, he recommended appointing a designated ministry or official to coordinate engagement with the NSITF. He also proposed establishing a joint technical interface to develop a short-term implementation roadmap.
According to him, the Fund has already set up an internal Strategic Inter-Agency Coordination framework to monitor timelines and deliverables arising from such partnerships.
Procurement Compliance Proposal
In a bid to institutionalise compliance, Faleye suggested integrating the ECS Compliance Certificate into the state’s public procurement and contracting processes. He said contractors bidding for state projects, seeking pre-qualification, renewing registrations, or engaging in public-private partnerships should be required to present proof of NSITF compliance.
The move, he noted, would ensure that companies benefiting from public funds meet statutory obligations to protect their workforce, while also reducing litigation risks, promoting industrial harmony, and strengthening structured social protection.
Faleye also confirmed Governor Kefas as Ambassador for Advocacy of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in Taraba State and the North-East region.
State Government’s Commitment
Responding, Governor Kefas pledged the state’s readiness to partner with the NSITF to ensure full enrolment of workers under the scheme.
“Taraba State Government is ready to partner with NSITF to ensure you fulfil your mandate by ensuring all workers are enrolled in the scheme. We will work through the Office of the Head of Service, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry for Local Government,” he said.
The governor noted that the state recently disbursed N5 billion to pensioners and expressed confidence that outstanding pension liabilities would be cleared before year-end.
“We will fulfil all obligations regarding the scheme in furtherance of our commitment to workers’ welfare,” he added.
Kefas accepted his confirmation as ECS advocacy ambassador, stating his willingness to support initiatives that advance the scheme’s mandate in the interest of workers and the country.
He subsequently inaugurated a high-powered committee to interface with the NSITF and drive full compliance with the Employees’ Compensation Scheme across Taraba State.
