By Chinedu Echianu
Civil defence officers injured, disabled or affected by occupational diseases in the line of duty are to receive medical care, rehabilitation and financial support under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
The scheme also provides compensation for permanent disabilities and financial support for eligible dependants of personnel who die in the course of service.
NSITF Managing Director and Chief Executive, Oluwaseun Faleye, announced the coverage on Wednesday during a sensitisation and onboarding exercise for Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel at the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja.
Faleye said the protection was particularly important for officers exposed to occupational hazards while safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, conducting rescue operations and responding to emergencies.
He urged the Corps to establish Employees’ Compensation Scheme desks across its national, state and area commands to facilitate injury reporting, claims processing and access to benefits.
Faleye also pledged technical support from the Fund to ensure effective implementation of the scheme, established under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, represented by the Deputy Commandant General, Technical Services, Ibrahim Ningi, said the partnership would strengthen personnel welfare.
Audi noted that the risks associated with the Corps’ duties made social protection essential to officers’ welfare and operational effectiveness.
Edited by Julian Osamoto
