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The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has enrolled more than 7.6 million workers under the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) to date.

The Fund has also achieved a historic milestone by enrolling the Nigeria Police Force in the ECS program.

Mr. Oluwaseun Faleye, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), revealed this during the 2026 International Civil Service Conference held in Abuja, which focused on the topics of reforms, resilience, and achievements.

He stated: “We have enrolled more than 7.6 million employees into the Scheme. We achieved the enrollment of the Nigeria Police Force into the ECS — a significant milestone — following discussions with the Inspector-General of Police.”

If our personnel are aware that their families will be taken care of in the event they are injured or die while performing their duties, their courage and bravery will grow, making our national security more secure for everyone.

Commenting on the conference’s theme, Faleye stated, “This theme goes beyond being a mere aspiration. It serves as a summons to take action. Around the world, public organizations are facing extraordinary challenges in providing effective services, rebuilding public trust, adjusting to swift technological and economic changes, and ensuring that governance stays focused on the needs of people and is sustainable.”

In Nigeria, the discussion about reform has become unavoidable — it is critical. The future of leadership and national progress relies on our institutions’ capacity to change, create, and efficiently address the requirements of our people.

“And I can confidently state that at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, we have decided to set an example,” he said.

Faleye argued that “Reform serves as the basis for institutional development. Organizations that oppose change ultimately lose their effectiveness and become out of touch with the population they are supposed to assist. However, genuine reform goes beyond just structural changes — it involves a cultural transformation. It requires a change in thinking from bureaucratic procedures to being responsive, from standard administration to achieving strategic outcomes, from making excuses to taking action.”

Providing a glimpse into his leadership, the MD stated, “When I took up the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund on July 15, 2024, I inherited an organization that had great potential but faced substantial operational difficulties.”

A Social Protection Framework for Employees — a significant initiative introduced through the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010 — was not achieving its complete potential. Compliance varied. The handling of claims was sluggish. There was limited public knowledge. And the trust of involved parties was weak.

We decided not to voice our complaints regarding these difficulties. Instead, we opted to face them directly with intentional, courageous, and quantifiable changes. Allow me to present the proof.

Initially, regarding governance and institutional integrity. We collaborated with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to enhance anti-corruption systems within the Fund. We enhanced our Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit and appointed 120 staff as ACTU liaison officers throughout all our offices across the country. We launched a Memorandum of Understanding with the ICPC to solidify our partnership. This is not just for show — it clearly demonstrates that the new NSITF functions based on the unyielding principles of accountability and transparency.

Second, regarding digital transformation. We are shifting from isolated, paper-dependent systems to unified digital platforms that improve transparency, efficiency, and public trust.

Faleye revealed: “We are focusing on automated processes, real-time monitoring of claims, and consistent processing timeframes. Our aim is straightforward: no Nigerian employee or their family should face unnecessary delays when they are eligible for compensation according to the law.”

Third, regarding the expansion of coverage and adherence. We initiated a vigorous campaign to bring the Employees’ Compensation Scheme to every part of this country.

We did not halt our efforts there. We brought the Scheme directly to state governors. I headed a team that engaged with the governors of Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Sokoto, and Taraba States, and in April 2026, we established a historic collaboration with Lagos State to fully roll out the ECS for state employees. We are pushing for the inclusion of ECS Compliance Certificates in public procurement procedures, ensuring that companies seeking government contracts prove their workers are safeguarded. This is how reform transitions from paper policies to the real-life experiences of workers.

Fourth, regarding claims processing and service delivery. In 2024 alone, the NSITF handled 22,350 compensation claims. We saw a 21 percent rise in claim settlements. We disbursed N90 million in compensation to a Seplat employee, N76 million to the relatives of a Nigerian Breweries worker, N31 million for medical expenses of a Nestlé staff member, and N42.5 million to the family of a deceased Depthwize employee.

“These are more than figures — these represent families who found fairness, respect, and assistance during their hardest times,” he shared.

Furthermore, Faleye mentioned that “A strong public organization is one that can endure pressure, adjust to changes, and keep providing value even during the toughest periods. And resilience starts with individuals.”

Government employees serve as the core of administration. Hence, safeguarding this workforce via efficient workplace safety regulations, social insurance frameworks, and equitable welfare programs is not a privilege — it is a crucial national priority.

He stated, “When employees are safeguarded, efficiency increases. When organizations remain consistent, economic development occurs. When people have faith in government structures, the country’s unity is enhanced.”

This is exactly why, under our guidance, the NSITF collaborated with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to spearhead the 2025 Safe Workplace Intervention Project (SWIP), conducting audits at more than 200 work locations nationwide. We are not standing by until incidents occur before taking action. We are fostering a culture of proactive measures.

The central government has also enforced the Employees’ Compensation Scheme for all federal public employees — a significant move to guarantee that no government worker in this nation remains without protection.

This order highlights a basic reality: social protection should stay at the core of government changes. No country can attain lasting development by ignoring the well-being and safety of its workers.

“The landscape of work is transforming quickly. The rise of digital technology, artificial intelligence, remote working structures, and shifting employment trends require governments to reconsider conventional methods of managing labor. As a result, our organizations need to take a forward-thinking approach — identifying potential challenges, creating support systems, and enabling employees to succeed in the emerging economic environment,” he said.

• Emmanuel Ulayi serves as a Principal Manager within the Corporate Affairs Department at NSITF.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).