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From Bimbola Oyesola, Geneva, Switzerland
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has refuted allegations of a managerial crisis and mass resignation of workers, describing the claims as false, misleading and a deliberate distortion of facts.
The Fund was reacting to reports published by an online media organization and subsequent statements by a coalition of civil society organisations alleging widespread staff exits, intimidation and administrative turmoil within the agency.
In a statement issued on Friday, Head of Corporate Affairs, Alexandra Mede, said the allegations lacked merit and were based on misinformation aimed at tarnishing the image of the federal institution.
“The management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund wishes to categorically reject the allegations recently circulated by a coalition of civil society organisations, which rely on a publication dated June 4, 2026, as their primary basis,” Mede said.
She added that both the publication and the demands arising from it were “without merit and rooted in a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.”
Addressing claims of mass resignations and staff intimidation, the NSITF spokesperson maintained that there was no managerial crisis in the organisation and that no mass resignation had occurred, saying what took place was a structured Voluntary Retirement Exercise (VRE) that was formally advertised on March 3, 2026, and made available to confirmed employees in designated senior management cadres.
“The VRE was a deliberate institutional reform initiative informed by recommendations from a credible, independent staff audit conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC),” Mede explained. “It offered participating staff voluntary exits with full financial benefits attached.”
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She disclosed that the exercise was later extended following approval by the NSITF Management Board during its 83rd meeting held on April 28, 2026, stressing that all exits were voluntary and processed in line with public service regulations and labour laws.
“To characterise this structured, transparent exercise as hundreds of staff resigning amid intimidation is factually incorrect and constitutes irresponsible journalism,” she stated.
The Fund also criticised the involvement of civil society groups in amplifying the allegations, saying organisations committed to accountability should verify facts before making public pronouncements.
“Management finds it equally troubling that civil society organisations, whose mandate is the pursuit of truth and accountability, would lend their platforms to what amounts to an unsubstantiated smear campaign against a Federal Government institution,” the statement said.
On allegations of financial misconduct, including claims of multiple bank accounts and alleged N297 billion scandal, the NSITF noted that even the coalition acknowledged that such allegations remained unproven and were still subject to investigation.
“Management welcomes any lawful, evidence-based inquiry and has nothing to conceal,” Mede said, adding that the Fund was accountable under statutory oversight frameworks.
The agency further dismissed calls for the removal of its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Barrister OluwaseunFaleye, and the Board Chairman, insisting that the demands were not supported by facts. It argued that under Faleye’s leadership, the Fund had recorded significant improvements in service delivery, expanded operational coverage and enhanced efficiency.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the NSITF urged Nigerians and relevant authorities to evaluate the allegations objectively and based on verifiable evidence. “The NSITF remains committed to the welfare of Nigerian workers and will continue to engage stakeholders openly and responsibly while prioritising factual accuracy in public discourse,” the statement concluded.
