Tinubu vows to support more Nigerian workers on social security, life after retirement

• Says over 7.5m covered by Employees’ Compensation Scheme

By Bimbola Oyesola

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerian workers, declaring that no citizen who labours for the nation should face economic ruin from workplace injury or uncertainty after retirement.

Speaking at the opening of the ISSA 2026 West Africa Seminar in Abuja, he positioned social protection as a central pillar of his Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising reforms that prioritise dignity, security, and long-term stability for workers across the country.

At the heart of this commitment lies the growing success of the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010, a framework that continues to redefine workplace protection in Nigeria. Through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), the scheme, the president said, now covers more than 7.5 million employees nationwide, marking a significant milestone in the country’s social security evolution.

Tinubu described the Employees’ Compensation Scheme as more than just policy, calling it a “guarantee of protection” for workers and their families. “When workplace accidents or disabilities occur, families are protected from sudden economic ruin,” he said. “Every compensation payment sends a clear message: those who serve this nation will not be abandoned.”

The expansion of the ECA underscores Nigeria’s growing institutional capacity to deliver real support where it matters most. For millions of workers, it represents a dependable safety net in moments of vulnerability, reinforcing trust between government and citizens.

Beyond workplace protection, the President highlighted broader achievements within the country’s social security framework. Over 10 million Nigerians are now actively contributing to the Contributory Pension Scheme, with pension assets exceeding N25 trillion, figures he said reflect growing public confidence in retirement planning.

Yet, Tinubu insisted that the true value of these reforms goes beyond financial metrics. “What those assets represent is trust—the hard-earned savings of Nigerian workers who now have confidence that retirement will not mean hardship or loss of dignity,” he stated.

The administration’s efforts, he said, also extend to employment generation, healthcare access, and poverty reduction.

According to the President, Initiatives led by the National Directorate of Employment have empowered over two million Nigerians, while health insurance coverage has expanded to more than 16 million citizens, reducing the burden of medical costs on vulnerable households.

Targeted social intervention programmes, he added, are also cushioning economic shocks for millions, providing support through cash transfers, food security initiatives, and livelihood schemes. These measures collectively reinforce the broader architecture of social protection.

Still, the ECA remains one of the most tangible and immediate lifelines for workers, directly addressing the risks associated with daily labour. It ensures that injuries, disabilities, or fatalities in the workplace do not translate into lifelong hardship for families.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, reinforced the importance of the scheme, describing the NSITF as “a critical vehicle for delivering social security to workers.” He stressed that the government remains committed to strengthening the institution in line with global best practices.

“Through effective oversight, we ensure that no worker is left vulnerable in the face of occupational risks,” Dingyadi said, highlighting the Ministry’s determination to deepen the impact of the ECA nationwide.

The seminar also brought attention to a key challenge – communication. Tinubu warned that even the strongest policies can fall short if citizens are unaware of their rights and benefits. “Communication is not public relations; it is the architecture of trust,” he declared.

He urged stakeholders across West Africa to adopt culturally relevant and grassroots-driven communication strategies, noting that information often spreads faster through communities than through formal channels. Effective messaging, he said, is essential to ensuring that social security systems are truly inclusive.

As Nigeria continues to strengthen its social protection systems, the message from Abuja is clear: the Employees’ Compensation Act is working, but more must be done to expand awareness, deepen coverage, and ensure every worker is protected.