Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has said it should not be measured solely by the payment of claims and compensations but by the effectiveness of its occupational safety and health (OSH) programmes.
The executive-director of finance and investment, Adegoke Adediji, who addressed the misconception about the Fund’s mandate, in a meeting with the Nigeria Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), clarified that while the NSITF does provide substantial financial support to affected employees, its primary focus remains on preventing workplace accidents through robust OSH initiatives.
Adediji highlighted the fund’s proactive approach, which includes collaboration with various agencies and stakeholders to implement OSH standards across all enrolled workplaces.
He said that the current management, under the leadership of the managing-director, Maureen Allagoa has outlined a clear vision for the future of the fund while adapting its rules and operations to keep pace with changing times.
According to him, the vision includes involving the fund’s tripartite stakeholders in all significant administrative decisions, such as the introduction of fees for new registrations and compliance certificates.
The NCRIB, represented by its president, Babatunde Ogunlade, lauded NSITF for expanding social security services in Nigeria and expressed a desire for partnership and collaboration, while emphasising the shared goal of securing the social security and well-being of all Nigerians.
In a related development, the Kano State government, led by the head of civil service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, has expressed its commitment to the welfare of its workforce and citizens, aligning with the objectives of the NSITF’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).
In a statement by the NSITF, general-manager, corporate affairs, Nwachukwu Godson, the state has shown interest in integrating the ECS into its social security benefits and is considering making the ECS compliance certificate a requirement for contract bidders.
The NSITF’s advocacy team, led by Haruna Mohammed, received a positive response from the Kano State secretariat, with requests for a detailed proposition to facilitate the state government’s decision-making process.
