The Nigeria Social Investment Trust Fund (NSITF) has announced the payment of several major claims to enrollees under its Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS). According to the Managing Director of the Fund, Oluwaseun Faleye, the claims include N90 million to an employee of Seplat, an indigenous energy company, N30 million to a Nestle PLC worker, N17 million to an employee of MedPlus, and N11 million to a worker of Unity Bank.

The ECS, governed by the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) of 2010, is a mandatory social insurance program for public and private sector employees. The Act requires employers to register with the NSITF and contribute to an Employee Compensation Fund to provide compensation for work-related death, injury, disease, or disability.

Faleye highlighted the significance of these claims, stating that they represent real families whose lives have been restored. He emphasized that processing and approving such claims is part of the Fund’s day-to-day responsibility, and they will continue to do so diligently.

The NSITF has reported a 56% increase in claims payment this year compared to the previous year, attributing this to an improved claims process. The Fund has also been promoting workplace safety and accident prevention through various initiatives, including collaboration with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) on the Safe Workplace Intervention Programme (SWIP).

Through SWIP, the NSITF and NECA visit workplaces across the country to promote safety standards, conduct audits, and share best practices with employers. The Fund also works closely with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment during factory inspections, focusing on the health and safety aspects of their oversight.

In addition, the NSITF has partnered with the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria to expand its outreach and share knowledge across industries. These collaborations aim to promote a culture of safety in Nigerian workplaces, emphasizing the importance of preventing workplace accidents and reducing the need for claims processing.

The NSITF’s efforts to promote workplace safety and provide compensation to employees who have suffered work-related injuries or illnesses demonstrate its commitment to supporting the well-being of Nigerian workers and their families. As the Fund continues to improve its claims process and promote safety initiatives, it is likely to have a positive impact on the lives of many Nigerians.