ECS, a Mechanism for Social Justice — NSITF Boss

By: Chinedu Echianu

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, has described the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) as a vital tool for promoting social justice in Nigeria.

Speaking over the weekend in Enugu during a Servicom Stakeholders’ Engagement organised by the Fund, Faleye clarified that the ECS is neither a tax nor a burden, but rather a protective mechanism for both employers and employees.

“When a worker is injured or lost, the ECS provides medical care, compensation, rehabilitation and, in many cases, stability for the affected family,” he stated.

The NSITF boss lamented that some employers still fail to comply with the Employees Compensation Act—which mandates the enrolment of workers in the scheme—due to ignorance, lack of awareness, or outright refusal. He disclosed that the Fund has paid out more than 138,000 claims to injured workers or their beneficiaries.

Faleye also revealed that the NSITF is working to improve access to its services through the digitalisation of operations and stronger partnerships with accredited medical providers.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Enugu State Governor, Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Nathaniel Urama, lauded the forum’s theme, “Mission Possible: Securing Nigeria’s Workforce through Comprehensive Social Protection”, noting its alignment with the state’s commitment to workers’ welfare, expanded social protection, and enhanced national productivity.

The engagement, which brought together representatives from labour unions, employers’ associations, and government agencies, is part of a nationwide series initiated by the Faleye-led NSITF management to drive broader social protection coverage under the ECS.