NSITF, NLC deepen alliance on workers’ welfare as Faleye reaffirms social protection partnership

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) as a critical partner in the delivery of social protection and workplace security for Nigerian workers.

Faleye made the assertion while addressing the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC at its meeting in Lagos, describing the Congress as a strategic stakeholder in advancing workers’ welfare nationwide.

“As a stakeholder in the welfare and advancement of members of the Nigerian Labour Congress across the nation, I bring the goodwill of the Board and Management of NSITF to the NLC,” Faleye said. “The Fund remains your veritable partner in the social protection and security of all Nigerian workers whose welfare you represent.”

He commended the NLC leadership for what he described as its unwavering commitment and sacrifices in the defence of workers’ rights, noting that the impact of labour’s advocacy is evident in the collaborative work between the Congress and the NSITF.

“I want to place on record the steadfastness of the NLC and its leadership in advocating for improved welfare for Nigerian workers,” he stated. “This commitment is reflected daily in our joint efforts as stakeholders in progress.”

Faleye acknowledged the role of labour representatives on the NSITF board, stressing that their interventions consistently strengthen the protection and benefits available to workers.

“We see this commitment in the passion and courage demonstrated by the NLC leadership, particularly through the work your representatives do on the Board of NSITF always advancing the cause of workers’ benefits and protection,” he said.

Explaining the statutory mandate of the Fund, Faleye noted that the NSITF is legally empowered to provide compensation, benefits and claims for workers who suffer injury, disability or death in the course of employment.

“Our mandate is clear: to pay claims and compensation for work-related injuries,” he explained. “We begin with prevention through our Occupational Health and Safety initiatives, ensuring that workers in both the public and private sectors operate in safe workplaces.”

He added that where preventive measures fail, the Fund is obligated to step in promptly to support affected workers and their families.

“Where injury, disability or death occurs in the course of work, the NSITF comes to the aid of the employee, through compensation, medical refunds or other statutory benefits,” Faleye said.

The NSITF boss also called for sustained pressure on employers to comply fully with the Employee Compensation Scheme (ECS), describing compliance as essential to building a resilient and confident workforce.

“We must continue to hold employers accountable,” he stressed. “A workforce that knows it is protected in the event of workplace accidents is a more secure, productive and resilient workforce.”

He concluded by reaffirming the Fund’s readiness to work closely with the NLC in strengthening social protection mechanisms and safeguarding the welfare of Nigerian workers across all sectors.