NSITF moves to align with Lagos on employees’ compensation scheme

THE Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has reaffirmed its readiness to support the Lagos State Government in establishing a robust institutional framework for the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS), following the state’s approval for full rollout of the programme.

Managing Director/Chief Executive of NSITF, Oluwaseun Falaye, made this known during a visit to the Head of Service of Lagos State, Mr. Bode Agoro, in Lagos, where both parties discussed modalities for a seamless and structured implementation of the scheme.

Falaye explained that the visit was aimed at setting a clear pathway for operationalising the ECS in Lagos, noting that the Fund is prepared to provide comprehensive technical and administrative support.

“We would like to assure you of our full readiness to support Lagos State through: Technical onboarding and advisory support, sensitisation across MDAs, LGAs, and public institutions, claims processing and compensation administration and occupational Safety and Health interventions,” he said.

To sustain momentum and ensure coordination, the NSITF boss called for immediate alignment on key institutional requirements.

“We respectfully seek alignment on the following: Identification of the lead coordinating Ministry or Office; Nomination of a focal person or technical desk; and agreement to convene a joint technical session within the next two weeks,” he stated.

Highlighting the strategic importance of Lagos, Falaye acknowledged the state’s complex administrative structure and workforce scale, describing it as critical to the success of the scheme.

“We recognise the scale and sophistication of Lagos State: A large and diverse workforce, multiple MDAs and LGAs, and strong administrative and payroll systems,” he said.

He further noted that the ECS aligns with the Lagos State government’s THEMES+ Agenda, particularly in strengthening governance, economic resilience, and occupational health standards.

“We appreciate the opportunity to engage with you on a matter that directly aligns with Lagos State’s development priorities under the THEMES+ Agenda, particularly in the areas of governance, economic sustainability, and health and environment,” he added.

Falaye emphasised that the Fund’s immediate focus is on practical implementation and institutional coordination.

“At this stage, our objective is practical and implementation-focused: To establish a coordination structure between Lagos State and NSITF; and to agree on immediate next steps for a seamless onboarding process,” he said.

Speaking on the significance of the scheme, he underscored its role in protecting workers and strengthening workplace safety systems.

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“The Employees’ Compensation Scheme provides: Structured protection for employees in cases of workplace injury, disease, disability, or death; a framework for managing employer liabilities; and a mechanism for strengthening occupational safety for workers,” he stated.

“Importantly, ECS serves as a direct enabler of key pillars of the THEMES+ Agenda. Under Economic Sustainability, it protects the workforce that drives productivity and economic output.

“Under Security and Governance, it strengthens compliance, accountability, and institutional credibility; under Health and Environment, it promotes safer workplaces and preventive occupational health practices,” he explained.

To ensure clarity and efficiency in implementation, Falaye proposed key coordination measures between the Fund and the state government.

“To ensure clarity and efficiency, we respectfully propose the following: Designation of a Coordinating Authority, a lead Ministry or Office to serve as the State’s anchor for ECS implementation.

“Nomination of a Technical Focal Person / Desk Office: a designated officer or unit to interface directly with NSITF on data collation, employer compliance, and operational coordination.

“Joint Technical Working Framework—a joint team comprising relevant State officials and NSITF representatives to commence workforce data mapping, onboarding design, and contribution modelling,” he stated.

He also highlighted the opportunity to institutionalise compliance by embedding ECS requirements into existing state processes. “We also respectfully highlight an opportunity to institutionalise compliance through existing State processes. This may include integrating NSITF compliance requirements into contract bidding, contractor prequalification, and public procurement frameworks.

“This approach reinforces the Governance pillar of the THEMES+ Agenda by ensuring that all organisations engaging with the State meet minimum worker protection standards,” he added.

Falaye reiterated the Fund’s commitment to working closely with Lagos State to deliver a functional and sustainable implementation model.

“We look forward to working closely with your team to translate this into an effective implementation model,” he said.

In his response, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, commended the NSITF for the initiative and expressed the state government’s readiness to move forward, announcing the immediate full implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in Lagos.

He disclosed that a dedicated unit would be established within the state’s administrative structure to drive and manage the scheme.