NSITF, Taraba partner to strengthen workers’ compensation scheme

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Taraba State Government to strengthen compliance with the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) and expand social protection for workers in the state.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, at the Government House in Jalingo on February 26, 2026.

The meeting formed part of the Fund’s broader institutional strategy to establish structured partnerships with state governments aimed at improving workers’ welfare and strengthening accountability in public institutions.

Faleye said discussions focused on expanding the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, describing it as a critical social protection programme designed to protect workers and ensure stability for employers.

According to him, the scheme goes beyond statutory compliance and serves as a vital mechanism for safeguarding workers who suffer injuries, disabilities or death in the course of duty.

He commended the Taraba State Government for its worker-focused policies, noting that expanding ECS coverage would further reinforce the administration’s commitment to protecting employees across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Faleye stressed the need to move from policy discussions to concrete outcomes, proposing increased compliance across government institutions, improved sensitisation of employers and contractors, and stronger awareness on workplace safety and compensation obligations.

He also recommended the designation of a focal ministry or official to coordinate with NSITF and proposed the creation of a joint technical interface to develop a short-term implementation roadmap.

The NSITF boss explained that improved compliance with the compensation scheme would protect workers, reduce litigation risks for employers and promote industrial harmony.

He further proposed the integration of the ECS Compliance Certificate into Taraba State’s procurement processes, requiring companies seeking government contracts, prequalification, contractor registration or public-private partnerships to provide proof of NSITF compliance.

Faleye clarified that the proposal would reinforce existing statutory obligations and ensure that companies benefiting from public funds meet workers’ protection requirements.

During the visit, he conferred on Governor Kefas the title of Ambassador and Advocate of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in Taraba State and the Northeast region.

Responding, Kefas welcomed the initiative and pledged the state’s commitment to full implementation of the scheme through the Office of the Head of Service, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Local Government.

The governor also highlighted recent progress in meeting pension obligations, revealing that the state had paid about ₦5 billion to pensioners and expressing optimism that outstanding liabilities would be cleared before the end of the year.

Kefas approved the immediate constitution of a committee to interface with NSITF and drive the state toward full compliance with the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.