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NSITF processed 22,359 claims in 2024 ready to deliver ECS benefits
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) said it would be innovative and proactive in its process to meet the rising expectations of beneficiaries of the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS).
The Fund also disclosed that it processed 22,350 claims in 2024 which ensured beneficiaries of ECS received timely support.
In the same vein, the Fund expressed strong determination to surmount the dynamic socio-economic landscape and stringent regulatory frameworks that would impede on its mandate to deliver social protection services to Nigerians.
Speaking at the opening of the Management Performance Review of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), held Wednesday, at NECA House in Ikeja, Lagos, the Managing Director of the Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, disclosed that the organization has started the process of leveraging technology to facilitate its registration process with the intention of improving transparency and trust.
According to him, this has become necessary in order to forge collaborative partnerships with agencies that are able to facilitate the delivery of it’s mandate, including amplifying awareness and compliance among employers and employees to deepen adoption of the ECS..
Barrister Faleye said the review session is, therefore, an opportunity to critically assess their performance, celebrate what works, and address what does not.
He said: “As Custodians of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, our mandate is clear and it is to provide timely compensation and support to employees affected by workplace injuries, disabilities, diseases, or fatalities. This scheme is not just about financial redress, it is a lifeline that upholds dignity, fosters safer workplaces, and strengthens Nigeria’s social security architecture.”
Buttressing the legacies of the NSITF, Faleye posited ” ln the past year, we have made significant strides: We have processed 22,350 claims in 2024, ensuring beneficiaries received timely support. We have expanded our outreach to 13 regions and created five new branches across the country brining the total numbers of branches to 62. The Fund now cover 183,528 employers and 7,616,476 employees. We have conducted 3,250 health and safety audits and 808 investigations and 2,035 awareness initiatives and 248 follow-up audits.”
According to him we have started the process of leveraging technology to facilitate our registration process thereby improving transparency and trust.
“We continue to forge collaborative partnerships with agencies that are able to facilitate the delivery of our mandate including amplifying awareness and compliance among employers and employees to deepen adoption of the Scheme.
“However, we are not blind to the hurdles: delayed employer remittances, gaps in public awareness, and systemic issues that contributes to diminished operational efficiencies. These challenges test our resolve but also sharpen our focus.
“Let us therefore use this platform to engage in open, honest, and constructive discussions. Let us ask ourselves the tough questions, challenge assumptions, and explore new ideas. Our goal is not just to meet targets but to exceed them, ensuring that the NSITF remains a beacon of hope and support for all Nigerians.” He added
Earlier in her address, the Executive Director Operations (NSITF), Hon Mojisola Alli-Macaulay, said the MPR is a crucial exercise aimed at assessing the Fund’s performance in the 2024 financial year and setting a clear strategic course for 2025.
In her words:” This event is of utmost importance as it provides a platform for us to critically evaluate our achievements, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies that will fast-track growth and enhance service delivery. The theme for this year’s MPR, Aligning Performance Activities with the Strategic Objectives of the Fund, underscores the necessity for every Department, Region, and Branch to work in synergy towards the overarching goals of the Fund.”
To this end, she emphasized that “The past year presented its fair share of challenges, but it also provided opportunities for us to reaffirm our commitment to excellence and innovation.
“Through the resilience and dedication of our workforce, we have made commendable strides in ensuring that the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) remains a pillar of social security and welfare for Nigerian workers.
As we engage in presentations, discussions, and deliberations over the next two days, I encourage every participant to actively contribute their insights and recommendations. Our success in the coming year will be determined by the strength of our strategies and the effectiveness of their execution.” She also observed
Elder statesman, Olorogun Morrison Olori, has hailed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his outstanding political leadership in the South-South region and his strategic role in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Olori, an octogenarian and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, particularly praised Wike for his transformative work as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement made during a public policy dialogue in Abuja, Olorogun Olori hailed Chief Wike as “a tireless bridge-builder and result-oriented leader who has brought stability and strategic political direction to the South-South and beyond.”
Chief Wike has not only strengthened the political base of the South-South region but has also become a key player in driving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through inclusive governance and infrastructural transformation,” Olori said.
Highlighting Wike’s impact as FCT Minister, Olori pointed to the minister’s record-setting performance in the signing of over 5,000 Certificates of Occupancy, as well as his aggressive infrastructure renewal across the city, including road expansions, urban beautification, and housing developments. He described Wike’s efforts as “a masterclass in leadership and vision.”
“His work in Abuja has demonstrated that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan—it is being implemented in concrete ways. He is delivering real, visible change,” Olori noted.
Olorogun Olori also emphasized Wike’s political courage in rallying support for national unity and economic revival, particularly in the South-South geopolitical zone, where he continues to serve as a stabilizing force and a voice of progress.
“Wike has used his influence not for personal gain, but to elevate the South-South and to help President Tinubu consolidate the gains of this administration,” Olori added. “This kind of partnership between the presidency and regional leaders is exactly what Nigeria needs right now.”
Olori, however, urged other political leaders to emulate Wike’s commitment to excellence and patriotism, emphasizing that Nigeria needs more leaders who “serve with sincerity and deliver with impact.”
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria has congratulated South Africa on the celebration of its 31st Freedom Day anniversary, marking more than three decades since the end of apartheid rule.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Sunday in Abuja, the Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, extended warm greetings to his South African counterpart, His Excellency Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
Ambassador Tuggar described the day as a reminder of the historic victory of democracy over apartheid and a celebration of the resilient and unified spirit that continues to shape South Africa’s journey.
“Nigeria and South Africa share a profound bond forged through decades of solidarity in the liberation struggle. As we reflect on this milestone, we recall Nigeria’s unwavering support for the anti-apartheid movement, including diplomatic, material, and moral contributions that underscored our commitment to justice and the ethos of pan-Africanism,” the statement read.
Highlighting the strong bilateral ties between the two countries, Tuggar emphasized the shared responsibility Nigeria and South Africa have in promoting peace, security, and inclusive development across the African continent.
He noted that as Africa’s two largest economies and democracies, there is a need to strengthen collaboration in areas such as trade and investment through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as cultural exchanges and youth empowerment.
“Therefore, on this Freedom Day, we stand with South Africa in honouring the sacrifices of heroes like Walter Sisulu, Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Thabo Mbeki and recommit to working together to realize the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united Africa,” he added.
The Enugu Caucus in the House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s plan to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, describing it as a potential catalyst for the Southeast economy.
The caucus commended the Federal Government for the initiative and urged it to hasten the process to enable the people of the Southeast and the nation to benefit from it in earnest.
It also called on the people of the region to support the concession as the only way to guarantee sustainable investment to fully develop the airport into a truly international facility.
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