NSITF Raises New Concerns About Working Conditions in Nigeria

Says nation’s workers now ‘most vulnerable group

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

ABUJA — The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has voiced new concerns about the condition of workplaces across the country, stating that Nigerian workers have become one of the most vulnerable groups in society because of rising occupational risks and insufficient protective measures.

Managing Director of NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, made the statement during a panel session at the recently concluded International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, where stakeholders discussed “Inclusive public services for women, youths, persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups.”

Represented by the Fund’s Abuja Regional Manager, Mrs Bridget Ashang, Faleye said the NSITF remains committed to safeguarding vulnerable groups, especially persons with disabilities, through effective occupational safety and health measures and the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).

He explained that the ECS is a vital social protection mechanism for workers who suffer injuries, disabilities, diseases or death while on the job.

Under the scheme, dependants of deceased workers are supported until the last child reaches 21 years of age or graduates from a tertiary institution.

Faleye emphasized that while compensation is part of the Fund’s statutory mandate, the agency now places greater emphasis on preventing workplace accidents and occupational hazards.

“Prevention is better than compensation. That is why we are leading when it comes to Occupational Safety and Health. We carry out audits, identify gaps in workplaces, recommend corrective actions and guide employers on best practices,” he said.

Faleye lamented that workers are often overlooked in discussions about social protection despite the significant risks they face daily.

“I want to specifically talk about a vulnerable group that people hardly consider vulnerable — those who wake up every morning, commute to work regardless of the weather, remain at work all day and carry out different forms of labour. These are the workers, and they are among the most vulnerable groups,” he stated.

He noted that many disabilities recorded in the country stem from workplace incidents, insisting that employers must create safe, healthy and inclusive work environments for all categories of workers, including women, youths and persons with disabilities.

Faleye disclosed that NSITF regularly conducts workplace safety inspections to ensure accessibility and inclusiveness for vulnerable employees.

He criticized the absence of punitive provisions in the existing law governing workplace protection.

“Our law says employers should ensure workers are properly protected while at work, and where incidents occur, we step in. Unfortunately, there are no sanctions,” he lamented.

Other panelists at the session included Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Kachallom Daju; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General of the Federation, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba; disability rights advocate, Dr Jake Epelle; Hansatu Adegbite; and Kristin Envig.

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