From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
In a vibrant display of unity and purpose, stakeholders of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) recently gathered in Abuja, marking a critical moment in the fund’s mission to enhance workplace safety and social welfare.
The event, themed “Strengthening stakeholder engagement in NSITF,” drew together a diverse group of leaders from various sectors, captains of industry, labour representatives and government officials, all eager to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of employee welfare in Nigeria.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as hundreds convened, including members from the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Attendees also included beneficiaries of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) and their families, reflecting the broad impact of the Fund’s initiatives.
Central to this gathering was the new leadership’s vision for the NSITF, outlined in their ‘strategic priorities 2024-2027’ roadmap.
The managing director, Mr. Oluwaseun Faleye, noted that stakeholder engagement is at the forefront of their strategy, aimed at fostering collaboration and building trust.
In his keynote address, he pledged to enhance communication and transparency within the Fund, stressing the importance of workplace safety and a culture of compliance among employers and employees.
Faleye’s message was clear: the success of the ECS hinges not only on the Fund’s efforts but also on the vigilance of employees in ensuring their rights are upheld.
“What we want is a process that self-regulates, where the employees are also a check on the employer, asking the necessary questions about contributions to the NSITF in terms of compliance. This is because at the end of the day, the employees will reap the benefits of the scheme, and that requires the employees’ vigilance in ensuring compliance by their employers. Enrollment into the scheme is the right of every employee by law.”
He further stated that one of the reasons for the Fund’s advocacy campaigns was to ensure that employers do not undercut the Fund by understating the salaries paid to employees, adding that “the same manner employees take their pension seriously, should also be the manner they take contributions to the NSITF seriously,” he said.
Adding to the conversation, Nnenna Akajemeli, the national coordinator of SERVICOM, pointed out that trust and tailored communication is crucial in stakeholder relationships.
She called for ongoing dialogue and regular updates to facilitate conflict resolution and strengthen bonds among all parties involved.
Prominent labour leaders also took the stage, including Comrade Joe Ajaero of the NLC, who highlighted the urgent need for effective service delivery that truly addresses the challenges faced by Nigerian workers. Meanwhile, director general of NECA, Smart Oyerinde, urged the NSITF to expand its benefits to include provisions for older workers, advocating for a more inclusive approach to employee welfare.
The forum also featured insightful presentations from NSITF department heads, who re-enforced the need for broader coverage of the ECS.
The discussions culminated in powerful testimonies from beneficiaries, illustrating the real-world impact of the Fund’s work. Awards were presented to fifty employers recognized for their commitment to the ECS, celebrating those who prioritize employee welfare.
As the event concluded, it was clear that the NSITF is not just a regulatory body but a crucial partner in fostering a safer and more equitable work environment across Nigeria. The commitment to continuous engagement and improvement marks a hopeful chapter for the Fund and its stakeholders, promising a future where every worker’s rights are recognized and upheld.