NSITF enrolls more than 7.6 million workers in the workers’ compensation system

The Nigeria Social Security Trust Fund (NSITF) has enrolled over 7.6 million employees into the Employee Compensation Scheme (ECS).

Likewise, the Fund achieved a historic first with the enrollment of the Nigeria Police Force in the programme.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun Falaye, disclosed this at the 2026 International Civil Service Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, May 20, 3026.

In his words: “We have enrolled over 7.6 million personnel into the programme. We have secured the enlistment of the Nigeria Police Force into the ECS – a historic first – following engagements with the Inspector General of Police.

“When our officers know that their families will be protected should they be injured or lose their lives in the line of duty, their confidence and gallantry will increase and our national security will be more secure for all of us.”

Speaking on the conference theme ‘Reforms, Resilience and Results’, the MD said: “This theme is not simply an aspiration. It is a call to action. Across the world, public institutions are under unprecedented pressure to deliver efficient services, restore public trust, adapt to rapid technological and economic revolution and ensure governance remains people-centred and sustainable.

“For us in Nigeria, the debate on reform is no longer optional: it is urgent. The future of governance and national development depends on the ability of our institutions to evolve, innovate and respond effectively to the needs of our citizens.

“And today I can confidently say that at the Nigeria Social Security Trust Fund we have chosen to lead by example.”

Faleye argued that “reform is the foundation of institutional progress. Institutions that resist change ultimately become ineffective and disconnected from the people they are meant to serve. But real reform is not merely structural: it is cultural. It requires a shift in mindset from bureaucracy to responsiveness, from routine administration to strategic impact, from apologies to execution.”

Giving an insight into his stewardship, the MD disclosed that “When I took over as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund on 15 July 2024, I inherited an institution with enormous potential but significant operational challenges.

“The Employee’s Compensation Scheme – a key social protection tool established under the Employee’s Compensation Act 2010 – was not reaching its full potential. Compliance was uneven. Claims processing was slow. Public awareness was low. And stakeholder trust was fragile.

“We have chosen not to complain about these challenges. We have chosen to address them head-on through deliberate, bold, measurable reforms. Let me share the evidence.

“First, on governance and institutional integrity. We have worked with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC) to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms within the Fund. We have strengthened our anti-corruption and transparency unit and designated 120 staff as ACTU liaison officers in all our offices nationwide. We have entered into a memorandum of understanding with the ICPC to formalize our collaboration. This is not a facade: it is a clear signal that the new NSITF operates on the non-negotiable principles of accountability and transparency.

“Secondly, on digital transformation. We are moving away from fragmented, paper-based systems towards integrated digital platforms that improve transparency, speed and public trust.”

Faleye revealed that “We are investing in automated workflows, real-time tracking of claims and standardized processing timelines. Our goal is simple: no Nigerian worker or their family should have to endure unnecessary delays when they are entitled to compensation under the law.

“Third, on expanding coverage and compliance. We have launched an aggressive campaign to bring the workers’ compensation system to every corner of this nation.

“We didn’t stop there. We took the program directly to state governors. I led a team to the governors of Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Sokoto and Taraba states, and in April 2026, we signed a historic partnership with Lagos State to fully implement ECS for government workers. We are advocating for the integration of ECS compliance certificates into public procurement processes, so that companies bidding for government contracts must demonstrate that their workers are protected. Here’s how move the reform from political documents to the lived reality of workers.

“Fourth, on claims processing and service delivery. In 2024 alone, the NSITF processed 22,350 claims. We achieved a 21% increase in claims payment. We paid N90 million in compensation to a Seplat worker, N76 million to dependents of a Nigerian Breweries employee, N31 million in medical bills for a Nestlé worker and N42.5 million to the family of a deceased employee Deptwize.

“These are not just numbers, they are families who have received justice, dignity and support in the most difficult times,” he revealed.

Speaking further, the CEO noted that “a resilient public institution is one that can withstand pressure, adapt to change and continue to provide value even in the most difficult times. And resilience starts with people.

“Public employees are the engine room of governance. Therefore, protecting the workforce through effective workplace safety standards, social insurance systems and inclusive welfare policies is not a luxury: it is a national imperative.”

According to him, “When workers are protected, productivity improves. When institutions are stable, economies grow. When citizens have trust in public systems, national cohesion is strengthened.

“This is exactly why, under our leadership, the NSITF partnered with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) to spearhead the Safe Workplace Intervention Project (SWIP) 2025, auditing over 200 workplaces across the country. We are not waiting for incidents to occur before we act. We are building a culture of prevention.

“The federal government also established the Workers’ Compensation System for all federal public employees – a critical step in ensuring that no public official in this country is left unprotected.

“This directive affirms a fundamental truth: social protection must remain at the heart of governance reforms. No nation can achieve sustainable development by neglecting the well-being and safety of its workforce.

“The future of work is changing rapidly. Digitalisation, artificial intelligence, remote working systems and evolving employment models require governments to rethink traditional approaches to work administration.

“Our institutions must therefore become proactive rather than reactive, anticipating risks, building safety nets and empowering workers to thrive in the new economy,” he said.