The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund is urging the Lagos State Government to lead in complying with the fund’s scheme for ensuring fair compensation for workers in hazardous situations.
During a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House in Ikeja, NSITF’s newly appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oluwaseun Faleye, sought the state government’s support.
Faleye mentioned that the agency’s management was in the state for a two-day retreat to discuss potential collaborations with lawmakers to achieve its goals.
Accompanied by the Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Employment, Labour, and Productivity, Senator Diket Plang and Adegboyega Adefarati, along with other federal lawmakers, Faleye emphasized the crucial role Lagos plays in boosting compliance with fair compensation for workers.
Faleye informed Sanwo-Olu that the agency needs the state government’s support to ensure compliance with laws governing employer-employee relationships, suggesting that Lagos could set a compliance model for other states.
He stated, “NSITF was established to create an employer scheme providing support to injured or deceased workers from work-related hazards, both in cash and non-cash forms. We have been robustly implementing this since 2012 and want to continue.”
Seeking the state government’s support, Faleye added, “We urge you to integrate the NSITF Requirement Certificate into your subcontractual documents with third parties. This will emphasize the importance given to workers and contribute to the state’s progress.”
In response, Sanwo-Olu emphasized transparency, accountability, and quality service, expressing the willingness of his administration to collaborate with NSITF to fulfill its objectives for the benefit of workers and residents.
On his part, Plang highlighted the lawmakers’ commitment to protecting employers and workers in hazardous work environments, stressing the legislature’s role in ensuring compliance with constitutional responsibilities for the citizens’ benefit.