Lagos workers to gain stronger protection as NSITF activate Compensation Scheme in public service

Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has assured the Lagos State Government of its readiness to support the smooth rollout of the Employees Compensation Scheme across the state public service.

Managing Director and Chief Executive of NSITF, Barrister Oluwaseun Falaye, gave the assurance on Wednesday during a sensitisation workshop for Employee Relations Officers from Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Lagos.

Falaye said the Fund would keep working with the state and its MDAs to make sure the scheme is properly implemented.

“Let me also assure you that the NSITF remains fully committed to supporting this process. We bring not only the legal and institutional mandate, but also the technical expertise, operational experience, and systems required to ensure effective and seamless implementation. More importantly, we will continue to work closely with all MDAs, providing guidance and support at every stage of this process,” he said.

He said the workshop was designed to give participants a clear, practical understanding of how the scheme works and what is expected of them.

“This programme has been carefully designed to provide you with practical knowledge and actionable insights. Experienced resource persons will take you through the key aspects of the Scheme, including its benefits, compliance requirements, payroll processes, schedules of payment, and the critical role you will play in ensuring its success,” he stated.

Faleye said the engagement was important because it ties directly to how workers are protected in service.

“The theme of this programme, ‘The Role of the Employee Relations Officer in Ensuring Effective Implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme,’ speaks directly to that objective. It recognises that while policies provide structure, it is people who give them life. Your role, therefore, is not secondary; it is central to the success of this initiative,” he said.

He explained that the Employees Compensation Scheme is meant to take care of workers when things go wrong on the job, including injuries, illness, disability or death.

“The Employees’ Compensation Scheme, administered by the NSITF under the Employees’ Compensation Act of 2010, is far more than a regulatory requirement. It is a comprehensive system designed to protect workers against workplace accidents, occupational diseases, injuries, disabilities, and even death arising in the course of employment. It provides structured support through medical care, rehabilitation services, compensation for temporary or permanent disability, and financial protection for dependents in the unfortunate event of loss of life,” he said.

Faleye noted that Lagos already has strong systems in place, saying the focus now is to plug the scheme into what already exists rather than build something new.

“One of the key advantages we have in Lagos State is that we are not starting from a position of limitation. The State already possesses strong institutional structures, well-organised payroll systems, and established administrative processes. What is required now is not the creation of an entirely new system, but the effective integration of this Scheme into existing frameworks, thereby strengthening them and enhancing their overall impact,” he added.

He said the training followed earlier engagements between NSITF and the Lagos State Government which led to the decision to fully implement the scheme in the public service.

“Following that engagement, we took a deliberate step to initiate this sensitisation programme, with a clear objective: to ensure that those who are responsible for driving implementation, particularly the Employee Relations Officers and administrative leaders across MDAs, are fully equipped, not only with knowledge of the Scheme, but with the capacity to translate it into effective action,” he stated.

Faleye expressed confidence that once fully implemented, the scheme would improve workers’ sense of security and strengthen welfare protection across the system.

“When this Scheme is fully implemented—and I am confident that it will be, the benefits to Lagos State will be substantial. It will result in a workforce that operates with a stronger sense of security and assurance, a governance structure that manages risk in a proactive and structured manner, and a government that demonstrates not only authority but a clear and practical commitment to the welfare of its people,” he said.

In his vote of thanks, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, said the state would continue to lead in the implementation of the scheme at sub-national level.

Agoro, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs Sunkanmi Oyegbola, said the scheme would give workers more peace of mind as they carry out their duties.

“Lagos as the Centre of Excellence will always set the pace by driving the process of the Employees Compensation Scheme in the sub-national by ensuring employees in the state government get the best ECS has to offer,” she said.

She also urged human resource heads and directors across MDAs to ensure the process is properly driven within their organisations.

Oyegbola further disclosed that an NSITF desk office would be set up to support smooth coordination of the scheme in the state.