By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has commenced the payment of compensation to Federal Civil Servants who suffered work-related injuries, occupational diseases and disabilities, with the presentation of the first batch of compensation cheques under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).
The development marks a major milestone in the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010, for Federal Public Servants and underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening workers’ welfare and social protection.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Mrs. Eno Olotu.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony in Abuja, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said the initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She described the operationalisation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme for Federal Civil Servants as a landmark achievement that places workers’ welfare at the heart of ongoing public service reforms.
According to Walson-Jack, the payment of compensation demonstrates that government support for civil servants extends beyond policy formulation to providing practical assistance when workers suffer injuries or other occupational hazards in the course of duty.
She stressed that compensation under the scheme is a legal entitlement for eligible workers and not an act of goodwill, adding that the government has a responsibility to ensure that affected officers and their families receive the support they deserve.
The Head of Service praised the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr. Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye, for driving the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Act and ensuring that its benefits reach Federal Civil Servants.
She also recalled the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the OHCSF and NSITF and the inauguration of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme Help Desk to improve awareness, facilitate prompt reporting of workplace incidents and speed up the processing of compensation claims.
While emphasising the importance of compensation, Walson-Jack urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen compliance with occupational health and safety standards to minimise workplace accidents.
In his address, NSITF Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Faleye, described the presentation as a historic first for Treasury-funded Ministries, Departments and Agencies, saying it represents the successful implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme within the Federal Public Service.
