Faleye's Two-Year Revamp: NSITF's Efforts to Reinforce Labourers' Protective Cushion

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By Emmanuel Ulayi

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When Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye assumed office as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, on July 16, 2024, the agency was at a critical point in its history.

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Faced with backlogs of claims, low public awareness and largely manual processes, the organisation responsible for providing social protection to Nigerian workers was struggling to meet the expectations of an expanding workforce.

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Two years later, the story is changing. NSITF is processing claims faster, registering more employers, increasing beneficiary payments and aligning its operations with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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From improved compensation delivery for injured workers, to digital transformation and international partnerships, the Fund is repositioning itself as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s workplace social security system.

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Faster compensation

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The mandate of NSITF is straightforward: to ensure that no Nigerian worker is left without support following workplace injury, disability or death.

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Under Faleye’s leadership, clearing the backlog of compensation claims became an immediate priority. The Fund introduced new standard operating procedures aimed at improving verification processes and accelerating payments to beneficiaries.

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The administration has consistently emphasised that workers deserve dignity during periods of distress, and compensation remains at the centre of the Fund’s operations.

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Beyond claims payment, NSITF has intensified awareness campaigns among employers and workers across the formal and informal sectors. Employers are being encouraged to comply with the Employees’ Compensation Act, while workers are being educated about their rights to social protection.

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For many families that previously lacked a safety net after workplace accidents, the scheme has become a source of financial stability and hope.

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Under Renewed Hope Agenda

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The reforms at NSITF are closely linked to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth.

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The Fund’s management believes social security should not be viewed as welfare alone but as an investment that improves productivity and strengthens the economy.

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“When workers know they are protected, employers comply more, and the economy becomes more stable,” a senior management official noted.

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In line with federal priorities, NSITF has expanded coverage to more Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), increased support for vulnerable workers and strengthened the role of social protection in national development.

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The Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) has recorded significant growth, with more than 7.8 million employees enrolled. The scheme has also extended coverage to institutions such as the Nigeria Police Force.

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The Fund has disbursed billions of naira in compensation to injured workers and dependants across various sectors, including oil and gas, banking and the public service.

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Protecting informal workers

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One of the major milestones under Faleye has been the expansion of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme to the informal sector.

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Through nationwide sensitisation campaigns across the six geopolitical zones, NSITF has engaged trade groups, artisans, market associations and transport operators, including commercial tricycle riders and other informal workers.

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The initiative aims to bring millions of Nigerians outside the formal economy into the social protection system.

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The Fund is also exploring partnerships with technology platforms, including ride-hailing companies, to extend coverage to independent workers and gig economy participants.

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Digital transformation, improved transparency

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Perhaps the most visible change at NSITF has been its digital transformation.

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Before the reforms, several processes were paper-based, contributing to delays and limited transparency. The Fund has since introduced digital solutions for employer registration, contribution remittance and claims processing.

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The e-NSITF portal and upgraded database systems have improved efficiency, reduced processing time and enabled employers and workers to monitor claims more transparently.

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Digitalisation has also helped expand access to social insurance services beyond major cities, bringing NSITF operations closer to workers through its offices nationwide.

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Rebuilding institution

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Internally, Faleye’s administration has embarked on organisational reforms aimed at improving efficiency and accountability.

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The restructuring involved streamlining operations, clarifying responsibilities and introducing performance measurement systems.

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Staff welfare has also received attention through training programmes, career development initiatives and improved internal communication.

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“An agency that protects workers must first take care of its own people,” Faleye told staff during an engagement.

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The objective, according to management, is to build a motivated workforce capable of delivering better services to Nigerian workers and employers.

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In pursuit of global best practices, NSITF has expanded collaboration with social security institutions across Africa.

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The Fund has engaged in knowledge-sharing programmes with the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation of The Gambia and South Africa’s Compensation Fund.

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A recent visit by a delegation from South Africa’s Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) resulted in a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on workers’ compensation, occupational safety and digital transformation in social insurance.

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Similarly, the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund (IICF) of The Gambia’s Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) undertook a study tour of NSITF operations.

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The engagement provided opportunities for both institutions to exchange ideas on governance, employment injury compensation, claims administration, rehabilitation programmes, research, actuarial planning and digital transformation.

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Sustainable social security future

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While two years may not be enough to resolve decades of structural challenges, stakeholders within NSITF believe the foundation for lasting reforms has been established.

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The transformation under Faleye’s leadership has been defined by three key themes: access, speed and transparency.

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More workers are being enrolled. Claims are being processed faster. And the Fund is becoming increasingly visible to employers, workers and government.

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As Nigeria seeks to build a stronger and more resilient workforce under the Renewed Hope Agenda, NSITF’s transformation demonstrates how focused leadership can strengthen a statutory institution and translate policy objectives into tangible benefits for citizens.

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With further reforms ahead, the Fund is targeting 100 per cent digital claims processing by the end of 2026, deeper integration with state social protection systems and expanded coverage for informal workers.

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For Faleye, the statistics represent more than numbers.

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“Every number is a worker, a family, a business that now has a safety net,” he said at the 2025 management retreat.

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Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, NSITF is evolving from a compensation agency into Nigeria’s central platform for workplace social security.

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Dr Emma Ulayi, is a staff of NSITF

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