The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has announced a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, to enhance workplace safety awareness and extend social insurance coverage to informal sector workers.
NSITF Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye, disclosed this collaboration during a courtesy visit by the NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, and her executive team to the NSITF headquarters in Abuja.
Enhancing Awareness and Coverage
Faleye emphasized the importance of workplace safety and the need to ensure that more Nigerians, particularly those in the informal sector, benefit from social insurance schemes.
“We are committed to improving workplace safety and ensuring that more Nigerians, including those in the informal economy, benefit from our social insurance scheme. This collaboration with the NUJ will help amplify our message and drive greater awareness,” he said.
Recognizing the challenges in reaching informal sector workers, he stressed the NSITF’s determination to bridge the gap.
“While the formal sector is easier to reach, we must make deliberate efforts to extend our coverage to the informal workforce. Our regional offices are working tirelessly to ensure this,” Faleye added.
He also highlighted NSITF’s ongoing reforms aimed at fast-tracking compensation payments, simplifying the registration process, and increasing workplace inspections for compliance.
Role of the Media in Workplace Safety
Faleye underscored the crucial role of journalists in raising awareness about occupational safety and social protection.
“The media is a powerful tool in shaping public understanding. Journalists help drive conversations on important issues, and we value their role in educating the public about workplace safety and social protection,” he stated.
He urged the NUJ to engage with employers to ensure that media workers are covered under the NSITF scheme.
“Journalists operate in high-risk environments, and it is essential that their employers prioritize their safety by complying with NSITF provisions,” he said.
NUJ FCT Pledges Support
In response, NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, commended NSITF’s commitment to workplace safety and worker protection.
“Our visit today reaffirms our commitment to raising awareness about the vital role NSITF plays in providing social security and compensation for Nigerian workers. As media professionals, we are eager to partner with NSITF to disseminate accurate information on workers’ rights and responsibilities,” she stated.
She proposed joint public enlightenment campaigns and media initiatives to improve access to NSITF services, noting that the collaboration would help create a more informed and protected workforce.
“We recognize NSITF’s evolution from a Provident Fund Scheme to a comprehensive Social Insurance Scheme, particularly through the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, which ensures fair compensation for work-related injuries and disabilities,” she added.
According to Ike, the partnership will contribute to educating both employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities, aligning with NSITF’s objectives of providing a fair and transparent compensation system.
The meeting was attended by members of the NUJ FCT executive, including Vice Chairman Comrade Yahaya Ndambabo, Secretary Comrade Jide Oyekunle, Treasurer Comrade Sandra Udeike, NUJ media platform news editor Ebriku John Friday, and media team member Mahmud Isa.
