The Lagos State Government has signalled plans to make compliance with the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS), a mandatory requirement for contractors and organisations doing business with the state, in a move aimed at strengthening worker protection and institutional accountability.
The Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) disclosed the proposal during a courtesy visit by its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Barr. Oluwaseun Falaye, to the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro.
Falaye explained that integrating ECS compliance into Lagos State’s procurement and contractor prequalification processes would institutionalise worker protection across both the public and private sectors operating within the state.
He said: “We respectfully highlight an opportunity to institutionalise compliance through existing State processes.”
“This may include integrating NSITF compliance requirements into contract bidding, contractor prequalification and public procurement frameworks.”
According to him, such a policy would ensure that organisations seeking to do business with the state meet minimum standards for employee welfare and workplace protection.
“This approach reinforces the Governance pillar of the THEMES+ Agenda by ensuring that all organisations engaging with the State meet minimum worker protection standards,” he added.
The NSITF boss noted that the proposal formed part of broader discussions with the Lagos State Government following the state’s approval for the full implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.
He described Lagos as a strategic partner for the scheme because of its large and diverse workforce, extensive network of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and robust administrative systems.
“We recognise the scale and sophistication of Lagos State, a large and diverse workforce, multiple MDAs and LGAs, and strong administrative and payroll systems.”
Faleye added that NSITF was ready to provide technical onboarding support, sensitisation programmes across government institutions, claims processing and occupational safety interventions to ensure smooth implementation.
“At this stage, our objective is practical and implementation-focused to establish a coordination structure between Lagos State and NSITF and to agree on immediate next steps for a seamless onboarding process.”
The NSITF chief also stressed the importance of the scheme in protecting workers against workplace risks such as injury, disease, disability or death.
“The Employees’ Compensation Scheme provides structured protection for employees in cases of workplace injury, disease, disability or death, while also providing a framework for managing employer liabilities.”
Responding, Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, welcomed the initiative and announced the state’s readiness to fully implement the scheme.
Agoro said the state government had approved the establishment of a dedicated unit within the state service to coordinate the implementation and management of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.
The development is expected to expand workplace safety coverage and compensation protection for thousands of public sector workers across Lagos State.
