NSITF Promises Quick Payouts to Victims of Afriland Towers Fire 

By Chinedu Echianu

The management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has paid a condolence visit to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), United Capital PLC, and the families of victims of the tragic Afriland Towers fire, pledging speedy payment of benefits and claims to those affected.

Led by the General Manager, Compliance, Mr. Abdullateef Musa, who represented the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Barrister Olúwaṣeun Faleye, the NSITF delegation visited the offices of FIRS in Ikoyi, Lagos, as well as United Capital PLC and the dependants of the deceased employees.

Mr. Musa expressed the Fund’s deep sympathy to the bereaved families and affected organizations, assuring them of NSITF’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).

“The NSITF was established to provide social security coverage to employees. We stand with you and the affected families at this difficult time, and we assure you that all benefits due to the dependants of the deceased workers will be promptly and duly processed,” he said.

He described the incident as a painful loss to the organisations involved and the wider community of Nigerian workers, praying for the repose of the souls of the departed and strength for their families.

In his response, an Assistant Director with FIRS, Mr. Ugwuoke Innocent, appreciated the NSITF for its prompt visit and support, noting that the Fund’s swift intervention demonstrated the importance of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in providing relief during workplace-related tragedies.

He also called for increased awareness and sensitization among employers and employees on the benefits of enrolling in the Scheme.

At a separate meeting with the management of United Capital PLC and the dependants of the deceased staff, the company’s Director of Human Resources, Mr. Oluseye Komolafe, commended the NSITF for its effective service delivery and the efficiency of the ECS in responding to emergencies.

Other members of the NSITF delegation included Mr. Tony Eke, General Manager, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), and Mrs. Nkiru Ede-Ogunnaike, General manager, Claims.

The Afriland Towers fire, which occurred on September 16, 2025, claimed ten lives—four employees of FIRS and six staff of United Capital PLC—while several others sustained injuries.