The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has underscored the role of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) in restoring hope and dignity to Nigerian workers who suffer injuries in the line of duty.
He made the remarks in Abuja during the presentation of prosthetic limbs to 10 beneficiaries of the scheme. Represented by the General Manager, Claims and Compensation, Mrs. Nkiru Ogunnike, he said the initiative continues to put smiles on the faces of injured workers by supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
According to him, the ECS goes beyond statutory compensation, reflecting a humane commitment to restoring confidence and preserving the dignity of workers affected by occupational hazards.
He noted that workplace accidents often result not only in physical injuries but also emotional trauma and uncertainty about the future.
Faleye explained that for many Nigerian workers, a single workplace incident can permanently alter the course of their lives.
However, he said the intervention of the NSITF through the ECS provides a second chance for victims to rebuild their lives and regain independence.
Highlighting specific cases, he cited the experiences of two beneficiaries, Daniel Etim and Festus Okpara, as evidence of the scheme’s impact.
Etim lost his arm in May 2024 after it was trapped in an industrial machine during a routine workday. Following hours of rescue efforts, the severity of the injury led to amputation.
The NSITF boss said the scheme covered Daniel’s medical expenses and later provided him with a prosthetic arm, enabling him to regain functionality and confidence.
He added that such interventions prevent injured workers from facing financial hardship and emotional distress alone.
Similarly, Okpara, who lost his palm in a workplace accident in 2015, benefited from the scheme years later with the provision of a silicone prosthetic hand.
Faleye noted that the support helped him overcome the psychological burden associated with his condition and improved his social confidence.
Expressing gratitude, Okpara said the assistance had reduced his trauma and allowed him to interact freely in public.
Faleye stressed that for beneficiaries, the ECS represents more than institutional support, serving as a source of hope, restoration, and reassurance.
He concluded that the scheme remains a critical social safety net for workers in both the public and private sectors, addressing not only physical injuries but also the psychological impact of workplace accidents.
