NSITF Pledges Compliance with ECS at All Levels

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has reiterated its determination to pursue compliance with the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) with state and local governments.

The organization has also commenced interaction with the National Assembly with a view to enhancing its enforcement powers.

Commenting on the initiative, NSITF Managing Director, Oluwaseun Faleye, stressed the need for wider coverage, pointing out that even though the Federal Government has expanded its subscription, many sub-national governments are still not compliant.

He held up Lagos State as an example of complete subscription and challenged other states to do the same.
In solving the issue, the NSITF is taking a multi-strategic stance involving prosecution of erring employers under the law, increased persuasion, and requesting additional legislative support.

Faleye said:
Our strategy going forward is to prosecute those who are not compliant and, of course, continued persuasion in general until we receive additional enforcement authority from the National Assembly.
Aside from enforcement, the organisation is also giving attention to occupational safety, quality of service delivery, and fiscal responsibility. Preventive measures are also being put in place by the NSITF to safeguard compensation funds against depletion and unwarranted deductions,” Faleye stated.

Additionally, the agency is investing in occupational health and safety awareness campaigns, workplace inspections, and training to enable workers to work in safer workplaces.

Through these more proactive initiatives, the NSITF is enhancing its ability to ensure that workers throughout the nation are compensated for work-related sicknesses and injuries in a timely manner. The agency’s active enforcement demonstrates a more active role in making sure all employers, and state and local governments especially, fulfill their ECS obligations.

The call for greater enforcement powers and prosecution of defaulting organizations is a reflection of NSITF’s dedication to the protection of workers’ rights and a better compensation system in Nigeria.