NSITF Disburses N6.6bn Compensation to Employees, Seeks Collaboration to Enhance Workers’ Welfare

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has disbursed N6.6 billion in claims and compensation to 103,000 beneficiaries after its renewed sensitisation drive during which it raised enrolee figure to over 172,000 employers and 7.6 million employees.

Also, the Fund is seeking partnerships with business owners to create awareness for the welfare of employees and implement the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.

The Executive Director in charge of the agency’s operations, Mrs Mojisolaoluwa Alli-Macaulay, who stated these  during her  remarks during the NSITF special “compliance day” at the on-going Lagos International Trade Fair in Lagos, explained that through a renewed sensitisation drive, the NSITF had expanded its enrollee base to include over 172,000 employers and 7.6 million employees, adding that the Fund demonstrated its commitment to workers’ welfare across the country.

She noted the expenditure was part of a broader effort to promote compliance with the Employee’s Compensation Scheme (ECA), a programme that provides financial and medical support to employees affected by workplace injuries or disabilities.

She also said that the fund had assisted 111 individuals with artificial limbs and facilitated overseas medical treatment for 11 others, illustrating the scope of its support efforts.

Alli-Macaulay highlighted the other benefits of the scheme, among them disability benefits, medical treatment, death benefits to beneficiaries, rehabilitation for disabled employees, prosthetic support, and compensation for employers covering loss of productive time. According to her, compliance with the ECA is mandatory as it offers legal protection for employers and improved morale and productivity among employees.

“It is in line with this year’s theme: compliance, that we are partnering business owners to promote employee welfare. Also, we have been able to disburse over N6.6 billion in claims and compensation to 103,000 beneficiaries and we are going to do more,” she said, added that many employers have joined the scheme.

Alli-Macaulay commended  the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry  for organising the trade fair, describing it as a great opportunity to gather as a community, learn from each other, and showcase the innovative spirit that drives the industry forward.

NSITF’s Regional Manager for Lagos Mainland, Agbonma Okorafor, reiterated the fund’s dedication to protecting Nigerian workers through the ECS.

She said the scheme provides crucial financial support for workers or their families, in cases of workplace-related injuries or death, and assists employers in creating safer workplaces.