NSITF partners NUJ FCT to expand social insurance awareness

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has partnered the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the federal capital territory (FCT) to expand awareness of its social insurance scheme, particularly among informal sector workers.

Speaking on Wednesday when he received some journalists led by Grace Ike, chairperson of the NUJ in the FCT, Oluwaseun Faleye, the managing director of NSITF, said the collaboration would enhance public understanding of the fund’s role and services.

He harped on NSITF’s commitment to expanding its coverage beyond the formal sector, noting that the informal economy constitutes a significant portion of Nigeria’s workforce.

“We are also simplifying the registration process to bring more people into the scheme, and we are stepping up our efforts to inspect and ensure more people are covered,” Faleye said. 

“The informal economy represents a large portion of our economic activity, so it is crucial that we bring them under the scheme.

“While the formal sector is more structured and easier to cover, we must focus on reaching the informal economy.

“Through our expanded regional offices and services, we are making genuine efforts to reach as many people as possible. That is why partnerships like this one are so important.”

As part of the partnership, NSITF and NUJ FCT will work together to launch a public awareness campaign, provide workplace safety training, and conduct risk assessments for workers in both the formal and informal sectors.

He also underscored the importance of workplace safety for journalists — who often work in high-risk environments.

“Journalism can be a dangerous profession, with reporters covering conflict zones and investigative stories. It’s important for media organisations to ensure their workers are covered under the employees’ compensation scheme,” he said.

In her remarks, Ike expressed appreciation to NSITF for providing social safety nets for workers.

“We appreciate your efforts in promoting workplace safety and occupational health standards,” she said.

“Our visit today underscores our commitment to enhancing public awareness about the vital role NSITF plays in providing social security and compensation to Nigerian workers.

“We recognise 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.

“This partnership will help educate both employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities, aligning with NSITF’s objectives of providing an open and fair compensation system.”

NSITF was set up to provide an open and fair system of guaranteed and adequate compensation for all employees or their dependents for any death, injury, disease or disability arising out of or in the course of employment.