Katsina Governor Backs NSITF’s ECS As Faleye Raises Alarm Over Non-Compliance

By Chinedu Echianu

Governor Umar Radda of Katsina State has pledged his administration’s support for the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) managed by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), amid growing concerns over widespread non-compliance by state and local governments across the country.

Governor Radda made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the NSITF Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, where he was received by the Fund’s management team led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Barrister Olúwaṣeun Faleye.

Faleye, while welcoming the governor, stressed that failure by many states and local governments to comply with the ECS remains a major threat to workers’ welfare and national productivity. He warned that such neglect undermines service delivery and exposes workers to unnecessary risks in the workplace.

“The NSITF is committed to building a more productive Nigeria through safer workplaces. When the welfare of workers is prioritized, productivity increases and the economy benefits. But non-compliance with the ECS is worrisome, given the large number of workers involved and its impact on development,” Faleye said.

The NSITF boss urged Governor Radda to ensure that Katsina State and its local governments fully enroll in the compensation scheme, saying compliance would not only protect workers but also improve governance outcomes in the state.

In his response, Governor Radda promised to work closely with the Fund to address the gaps. He noted that his visit was also to assess the performance of Barrister Samaila Abdu, the newly appointed Executive Director of Administration at NSITF and a native of Katsina State.

The governor explained that he makes it a duty to visit indigenes of his state holding federal positions to ensure they represent Katsina well, while assuring the Fund of his administration’s cooperation.