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By Bimbola Oyesola
The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has thrown strong support behind the Federal Government’s newly unveiled welfare package for civil servants, declaring that workers are now better protected under the Employee Compensation Scheme (ECS).
Speaking at a high-level press briefing in Abuja, Faleye assured federal workers that the NSITF remains firmly committed to delivering the ECS as a reliable safety net for those in public service. The event was convened by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
Faleye described the welfare reforms as timely and impactful, praising Walson-Jack’s leadership in driving initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of civil servants across the country.
“I appreciate your leadership for bringing to bear all of the newly announced welfare packages and schemes for the benefit of the Federal Civil Servant,” he said. “On our part as NSITF, we reiterate our commitment to the Employee Compensation Scheme, particularly for treasury-funded agencies.”
He stressed that the Fund is poised to complement the Office of the Head of Civil Service through efficient and transparent implementation of the ECS, ensuring workers fully benefit from the programme.
Faleye also pointed to the recent establishment of a dedicated ECS desk within the service welfare office as a milestone in expanding access and awareness. The desk, he explained, serves as a one-stop centre for guidance and support.
“That office is designed to provide continuous advocacy and enlightenment regarding the processes under the scheme,” he noted. “Civil servants can now receive direct guidance on how to comply and benefit.”
According to him, the initiative is part of a broader Memorandum of Understanding between the NSITF and the civil service leadership to deepen collaboration and improve service delivery.
“We have undertaken to offer prompt and professional services, while supporting awareness campaigns across ministries, departments and agencies,” Faleye said. “This ensures that every worker understands what to do in the event of a work-related incident.”
He expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership would mark the beginning of a deeper and more productive relationship between the Fund and the Federal Civil Service.
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Earlier, Walson-Jack described the newly introduced welfare package as a landmark achievement under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“History will record that it was under this administration that the welfare of the civil servant moved from rhetoric to reality,” she said. “Mr President’s commitment is visible, deliberate and impactful.”
She framed the announcement as more than routine policy, calling it a bold statement of intent by the government to prioritise workers’ welfare.
“This is a declaration that the Nigerian civil servant matters,” Walson-Jack said. “Your welfare is now front and centre of the administration’s agenda.”
Highlighting the timing ahead of International Workers’ Day, she said the reforms send a strong signal that workers deserve recognition through concrete action, not just words.
Turning to the ECS, she commended the NSITF for transforming what was once a legislative provision into a functioning protection system for workers and their families.
“The Employee Compensation Scheme now ensures that no civil servant has to fear that a workplace accident will leave their family unsupported,” she said.
She explained that the ECS complements existing group life insurance, significantly widening the safety net for public servants facing injury, disability or death in the line of duty.
Key elements of the welfare package include a ₦10 billion housing loan scheme aimed at boosting home ownership among civil servants.
Other measures announced include full Duty Tour Allowances for approved trainings, upward review of Peculiar Allowances, and increased estacode and book allowances to reflect current economic realities.
Together, officials say, the reforms represent a comprehensive effort to improve both the financial security and overall wellbeing of Nigeria’s civil service workforce.
