Unions Back Termination of Controversial E-NSITF Digitalisation Contract

By Chinedu Echianu

Two major workers’ unions in the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) — the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) and the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE) have endorsed the management’s decision to terminate the controversial E-NSITF digitalisation contract, which they described as fraudulent, wasteful, and lacking in value.

They say the cancellation reflected the NSITF management’s commitment to transparency and accountability in line with President Bola Tinubu’s reform and anti-corruption agenda.

According to the unions, the digital platform had been riddled with flaws since inception and met strong resistance from workers and users due to poor implementation by the contractor.

They argued that halting the project prevented further financial waste and set the Fund on a path toward integrity and efficiency.

“The cancellation of the E-NSITF contract is a bold step in the right direction which deserves the support of all,” the unions stated.

The unions expressed their position in a joint letter to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, co-signed by Bala Tijani (President, ASSBIFI–NSITF Unit), Godwin Ekpah (General Secretary, ASSBIFI–NSITF Unit), Simon Wenzamma (Chairman, NUBIFIE–NSITF Unit) and Miller Gudopwa (Secretary, NUBIFIE–NSITF Unit).

They commended the Minister for promoting decent work values, sustaining workers’ participation in national development, and ensuring a productive work environment.

The unions also hailed the NSITF management team led by Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye for what they described as an ongoing “reconstruction and re-engineering” process aimed at repositioning the Fund to achieve its strategic objectives.

“We are proud to relate to the leadership qualities of the current management team of NSITF led by Barrister Olúwaṣeun Faleye, who has embarked on reconstruction and re-engineering of the Fund to accomplish its strategic objectives since assuming duty,” the unions said.

Beyond the contract termination, the unions expressed strong backing for the ongoing amendments to the NSITF Act 1993 and the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010, describing them as “long overdue.”

They explained that the amendments would help clarify legal ambiguities, strengthen the Fund’s capacity, and provide better protection for workers who may suffer injuries, illness, disability, or death in the course of their employment.

“The amendments are geared towards empowering the Fund, resolving conflicting provisions with other laws, and ensuring better protection for Nigerian workers,” the letter added.

The unions voiced optimism that once passed by the National Assembly, the reforms would make the Fund more efficient, transparent, and accessible to all Nigerian workers.

Reaffirming their “unflinching support” for the Faleye-led management, ASSBIFI and NUBIFIE condemned what they described as “blackmail and misinformation” by individuals attempting to derail the Fund’s progress for personal gain.

They urged the Minister of Labour to ignore such distractions and continue to support the management’s reform initiatives.

“We appeal to the Honourable Minister for effective oversight, collaboration, and support for the current NSITF Management’s sincere pursuit to reposition the Fund to its deserving heights,” the unions concluded.