By Chesa Chesa
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has unfolded an ambitious campaign strategy to attract no fewer than one million new subscribers every year for its flagship Employee Compensation Scheme (ECS).
This bold campaign is against the background of concerns by the Fund that many Nigerians and organizations feign ignorance of the operations of the scheme, even to their own disadvantage.
who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja, and the launching
At the launch of the NSITF’s Mass Advocacy and Sensitization Campaign in Abuja, Managing Director of the Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, said enrollment and compliance were being expanded, with informal sector workers, who make up 70 percent of Nigeria’s workforce, under the ECS’s social security protection, being the primary target.
Faleye regretted that some workers collude with their employers to manipulate the system, declaring lower salaries or staff strength, in a bid to shortchange the Fund.
He described such practices as counterproductive, noting that in the event of accidents or death, compensation paid by NSITF under the ECS would be based strictly on the declared earnings of an employee
“Every time we’ve had the opportunity to explain what NSITF stands for and what it does, we’ve seen a swift change in perception and attitude. So, I believe the greatest challenge is the lack of understanding and awareness about NSITF’s role. This is why we are committed to deepening engagement with stakeholders,” he said.
Faleye further noted that enforcing compliance remained a major hurdle, as some employers obstruct NSITF officials during inspections of workplaces, preventing them from assessing health and safety compliance or reviewing records.
“We need stronger enforcement powers to ensure organizations comply with the law, including the ability to enter or shut down premises that endanger employees’ lives”, he stated while stressing that beyond enforcement, workers themselves should stop enabling their own exploitation.
“We have seen cases where employees advise their employers to reduce their declared earnings to lower contributions to NSITF. But when accidents happen—and we pray they don’t—compensation is calculated based on the reported salary.
“So, if you undervalue your earnings, the NSITF will only compensate you based on what was declared, meaning you receive far less than you should. Employees, especially accountants, finance directors, and payroll officers, should desist from these practices because they will ultimately be the ones to suffer,” Faleye warned.
