The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has assured civil servants of adequate protection against workplace risks under the Employee Compensation Scheme (ECA), declaring that no worker should fear being left without support in the event of injury, disability or death in service.
Managing Director of NSITF, Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, gave the assurance during a press briefing by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, on newly introduced welfare enhancements for civil servants.
Faleye said the Fund remained committed to fully implementing the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, particularly for treasury-funded Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
He said: “I appreciate your leadership for bringing to bear all of the just announced warfare packages and schemes for the benefit of the Federal Civil Servant.
On our part as NSITF, on behalf of the board and management of NSITF, I reiterate our commitment to the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, particularly for the benefit of the Federal Civil Servants whose agencies are treasury-funded.”
To deepen access and awareness, the NSITF boss disclosed that a dedicated ECS desk had been established within the Office of the Head of Service.
“You will recall a few days ago we were here, where we officially commissioned the desk situated in the service welfare office under the head of service, mainly to provide a one-stop shop for continuous advocacy, continuous enlightenment regarding the processes under the employee compensation scheme.
“That office is manned in a way that we should be able to provide guidance and support for all Federal Civil Servants who may require one, as to how best to not only comply, but to also, of course, benefit from the scheme.*
Faleye further noted that the Fund would intensify collaboration with MDAs to ensure workers understand their rights and entitlements under the scheme.
“We have undertaken under the Memorandum of Understanding signed by NSITF and the Office of the Head of Service, to not only offer our services in a very prompt and professional way, but to support enlightenment efforts across the ministries, departments and agencies to ensure that all civil servants understand clearly what the rules of engagement are, and what they need to do if there are any work-related issues or challenges that fall under the mandate of the employee compensation scheme.
“I’m using this opportunity again to reiterate our commitment to all the things that we’ve agreed to, and we hope that this will be a commencement of a much deeper relationship between the Federal Civil Service and the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund.”
Earlier, Walson-Jack declared that the welfare of civil servants had taken centre stage under the current administration, describing recent reforms as a major shift from past practices.
“This Press Briefing is not just another announcement. It is a declaration. A declaration that the Nigerian Civil Servant matters.
A declaration that your welfare is no longer a footnote but has become the front and centre of this Administration’s agenda. A declaration that dedication, real, consistent, professional dedication, will be matched with tangible and meaningful support.”
She emphasised that the Employee Compensation Scheme now provides a reliable safety net for workers.
“The Employees’ Compensation Scheme has been operationalised as a structured social protection mechanism to compensate Civil Servants who suffer work-related injuries, occupational diseases, disability, or loss of life in the course of duty.
“This Scheme complements the existing Group Life Assurance Scheme and significantly expands the scope of protection available to our workforce and their families.
A Civil Servant, therefore, should never have to worry that an accident at work will leave their family without support. That assurance is now in place.”
Walson-Jack also commended the NSITF for strengthening social protection within the civil service.
“To the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, your partnership has been exemplary. You have transformed a long-standing legislative provision into a living, breathing protection for Civil Servants and their families. That is no small achievement, and I commend your leadership and your team.”
She added that the newly introduced welfare enhancements, including a N10bn housing loan scheme, improved allowances and training support, reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the standard of living of civil servants.
