NSITF pledges stronger media partnership to advance workers’ welfare, social security
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its collaboration with the media to advance workers’ welfare and social security in the country.
The Managing Director of NSITF, Oluwaseun Faley, made this known during a media parley and launch of the Comprehensive Enlightenment and Enrollment Campaign in Abuja.
Faley emphasized the crucial role of the media in bridging the gap between government policies and the public.
He acknowledged the contributions of labour correspondents in advocating for workers’ rights and welfare and called for a stronger partnership to ensure the success of NSITF’s initiatives.
“I know that, as labour correspondents, you are instrumental in advocating for workers’ welfare, and we look forward to strengthening ways of this partnership for the benefit of Nigerian workers,” he said.
READ ALSO: E-paper: 10 things you need to know on The DailytimesNGR
He stressed that the fund’s primary goal is to expand enrollment and compliance across all levels of employment in Nigeria. According to him, stakeholder engagement plays a vital role in achieving this objective.
“For us, driving compliance is not just driving compliance for the sake of compliance. We believe that at the root of what we do is contributing our quota to economic development and economic productivity of Nigeria,” Faley added.
The NSITF boss reiterated the importance of social security in fostering a committed and productive workforce.
He explained that when employees are assured of compensation in cases of work-related injuries, disabilities, or mental health challenges, they become more dedicated to their jobs.
Faley also highlighted the need to extend social safety nets to Nigeria’s informal sector, which accounts for 70% of the nation’s economic activities.
He said efforts were ongoing to tailor the Employee Compensation Scheme (ECS) to suit small businesses, transport workers, and other informal workers.
“Very soon, we’ll be rolling out initiatives that are tailor-made for small and medium businesses, road transport workers, and all sorts of small, informal activities that shape our economic landscape,” he revealed.
He further noted that the NSITF had been working to improve service delivery by ensuring quick compensation payments. He disclosed that the fund recently paid N25 million in compensation to staff of the National Assembly.
“Ultimately, what we’re doing is to see that Nigerians who are subscribed to us get the support they need when they need it so they can get back on their feet,” Faley said.
In a bid to foster transparency and accountability, NSITF has partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Faley stated that the collaboration would help ensure that funds meant for workers’ compensation are used appropriately.
“This partnership, like every other partnership that we seek to cultivate, is to ensure that the funds meant for Nigerian workers’ compensation are used appropriately and that our processes remain free from corruption and inefficiencies,” he stated.
He urged journalists to support the NSITF’s efforts by providing coverage that educates the public on the importance of social security and the benefits of the compensation scheme.
“As we move forward, I urge members of the media to please partner with us on this journey as we transform the NSITF into the premier Social Security Agency for Nigeria,” Faley said.
To ensure continuous engagement, he announced that the NSITF would hold quarterly media briefings to provide updates on its initiatives and gather feedback from stakeholders.
He assured that the fund remains committed to its mandate of protecting Nigerian workers and enhancing their welfare through strategic policies and partnerships.
