NSITF, NECA Unveil Plans for 2025 Safe Workplace Initiative

By Chinedu Echianu

The Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), in collaboration with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) have announced plans to roll out the 2025 Safe Workplace Initiative (SWIP).

The initiative under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, is aimed at strengthening compliance with workplace safety and employee compensation laws in the private sector.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, NSITF Managing Director and Chief Executive Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye described SWIP as a landmark initiative that has, in recent years, served as a key tool for driving adherence to the Employee Compensation Act (ECA), particularly among private sector employers.

He noted that although the programme is tagged “SWIP 2025,” its implementation was shifted to early 2026 due to work-related exigencies on the part of stakeholders.

According to him, the initiative has been further strengthened this year to reinforce critical drivers of compliance, emphasizing that legislation alone is insufficient without sustained stakeholder engagement.

The collaboration with NECA, the Fund said, has helped deepen understanding and practical application of the Employee Compensation Scheme, benefiting employers, workers, government and the national economy.

The NSITF boss explained that the Employees Compensation Act (ECA) provides a robust legal framework for addressing workplace injuries, rehabilitation and compensation.

For employers, it offers certainty and reduces risks associated with litigation and industrial disputes, while for workers, it guarantees that work-related injuries will not jeopardize their future or that of their families.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, it added, remains focused on ensuring that workplace practices in Nigeria align with international best standards.

As part of the SWIP activities, NSITF announced a series of events beginning in Lagos on January 20, where private sector organizations that have demonstrated strong compliance with the Act will be recognized.

Similar engagements will be held in Enugu for businesses in the region, culminating in a major event in Abuja to honour key stakeholders and promote best practices nationwide.

NSITF expressed optimism that recognising compliant organisations and engaging employers through dialogue, rather than enforcement alone, would further encourage wider adoption of the Employee Compensation Scheme.

The Fund also acknowledged the role of the media in raising awareness and promoting public understanding of workplace safety and employee compensation.

The 2025 Safe Workplace Initiative, he said, is expected to set the tone for the year by strengthening collaboration, compliance and awareness across Nigeria’s private sector.