NSITF disburses N6.6bn compensation to employees, seeks collaborations to drive workers’ welfare
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has disbursed N6.6 billion in claims and compensation to 103,000 beneficiaries after its renewed sensitization drive during which it raised enrolee figure to over 172,000 employers and 7.6 million employees.
The Fund is seeking partnerships with business owners to create awareness for the welfare of employees and implement the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.
The Executive Director in charge of the agency’s operations, Mrs Mojisolaoluwa Alli-Macaulay, who stated these during her remarks on Wednesday, during the NSITF special “compliance day” at the on-going Lagos International Trade Fair in Lagos, explained that through a renewed sensitisation drive, the NSITF had expanded its enrollee base to include over 172,000 employers and 7.6 million employees, adding that the Fund demonstrated its commitment to workers’ welfare across the country.
She noted the expenditure was part of a broader effort to promote compliance with the Employee’s Compensation Scheme (ECA), a programme that provides financial and medical support to employees affected by workplace injuries or disabilities.
She also said that the fund had assisted 111 individuals with artificial limbs and facilitated overseas medical treatment for 11 others, illustrating the scope of its support efforts.
Alli-Macaulay highlighted the other benefits of the scheme, among them disability benefits, medical treatment, death benefits to beneficiaries, rehabilitation for disabled employees, prosthetic support, and compensation for employers covering loss of productive time. According to her, compliance with the ECA is mandatory as it offers legal protection for employers and improved morale and productivity among employees.
“It is in line with this year’s theme: compliance, that we are partnering business owners to promote employee welfare. Also, we have been able to disburse over N6.6 billion in claims and compensation to 103,000 beneficiaries and we are going to do more,” he said, added that many employers have joined the scheme.
Alli-Macaulay commended the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry for organising the trade fair, describing it as a great opportunity to gather as a community, learn from each other, and showcase the innovative spirit that drives the industry forward.
She said, “Trade fairs like this are essential because they not only allow us to connect with potential partners and clients, but also provide a platform to enlighten prospective clients on the benefits of services we offer. It is a time for us to demonstrate our strengths, learn about new trends and understand the evolving needs of the market.
“It is in line with this year’s theme, “Compliance” that we are here to partner with business owners in creating awareness for the welfare of their employees. This is a chance for us to strengthen our brand, expand our network and learn from other leaders in the industry.
“The NSITF was established by the Federal Government to provide social security and insurance coverage for the Nigerian workforce and other vulnerable persons. The Fund which has a vision to be the leading social security institution in Africa currently provides compensation for employees who suffer injury/disabilities /occupational diseases or death in the course of work as established by the Employees’ Compensation Act – ECA 2010.
“This Act is not just a legal requirement, but also a strategic asset that can enhance your organisation’s growth, productivity and reputation and We have been delivering on this service since 2011. The Act empowers NSITF to implement the ECA scheme, geared towards protecting the employees.”
According to her, compliance with this Act is not only mandatory but essential for safeguarding the welfare of employees, serves as legal and financial protection for employers and boosts employee morale and productivity.
She disclosed that a good number of employers nationwide have complied and keyed into the scheme and the organisation is working to ensure that those who are yet to complied do so.
“In our renewed sensitisation drive, we have raised the total enrollee figure to over 172,000 employers and 7.6 million employees. We have also compensated over 103,000 beneficiaries disbursing a total of N6.6billion as compensation to the affected employees.
“It is important to note that among the recent beneficiaries of the scheme, 111 persons have been assisted with artificial limbs, and 11 others sent abroad for further medical treatment. Our performance has also won us the 2023 edition of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association’s Award in Best Service Delivery Category.
“NSITF is committed to effective delivery of social insurance services such as prevention of accident, rehabilitation and compensatory services. We encourage you to reach out to us for any clarification or support you might need. By working together, we can create safer, more productive workplaces across Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.“Let us continue to work together in building a safe, productive, and compliant workforce in the country. The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund stands ready to support you every step of the way,” she added.
NSITF’s Regional Manager for Lagos Mainland, Agbonma Okorafor, reiterated the fund’s dedication to protecting Nigerian workers through the ECS.
She said the scheme provides crucial financial support for workers or their families, in cases of workplace-related injuries or death, and assists employers in creating safer workplaces.
The NSITF was created to improve the welfare of employees in the event of work-related injuries or accidents. It was established after the government found that some employers did not provide adequate working conditions, health benefits, or security.
