By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, has called for a joint task force with the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) to ensure that all casual workers in the sector are covered by the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS).
The Managing Director of NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, delivered his keynote address at the 68th Annual General Meeting of the Federation on Thursday. He frowned at the situation in which thousands of casual workers in the construction industry were left outside the coverage of the ECS, with the attendant consequence of abandonment in the event of workplace accidents or death.
He described it as a dire anti-worker situation, which poses a considerable risk to the foundation of safety in the world of work.
A statement by Nwachukwu Godson, the Fund’s General Manager of Corporate Affairs, quoted the MD as saying, “I want to bring your attention to an issue that requires our immediate and collective action, and that is the coverage of casual workers under the ECS.
“Currently, our practice ensures that the ECS covers contract staff. But what about our casual workers? These individuals face the same risks, breathe the same dust, and contribute equally to the progress of our projects. Yet, they stand outside the protective umbrella of our scheme. This disparity is not just unfair; it’s a risk to the foundations of safety we’re trying to build.
“I, therefore, call for change. The NSITF is open to finding solutions, but we need your help, expertise, and commitment. We want FOCI to partner with us in developing strategies to ensure that all construction workers – regardless of their employment status – are adequately covered by the ECS.
“This is not just about compliance; it’s about values. It’s about recognizing the worth and dignity of everyone who contributes to building our nation. It’s about living up to the ideals we, as industry leaders, profess to uphold.
“I propose forming a joint task force between NSITF and FOCI to tackle this issue head-on. Explore innovative solutions- a flexible premium structure or a pooled resource model. Our management team is ready to sit down with you, listen, brainstorm, and implement practical solutions that work for everyone.”
He stated that steps must be taken to protect the dignity and safety of every individual worker as a pivotal requirement in building a resilient national workforce.
Faleye also described the ECS as a safety net and springboard, fostering a culture of workplace responsibility while encouraging best practices in occupational health.
He further charged all construction companies with improving the safety and health standards of their workers, saying that the sector’s unenviable record of preventable workplace accidents cannot be ignored.
“The construction sector and manufacturing have historically held an unenviable record of preventable work accidents in Nigeria. This is a stark reality we can no longer ignore. Our records at NSITF show that a disproportionate number of our interventions for accident victims and work-related fatalities come from these sectors.”
Meanwhile, the NSITF has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).
The Managing Director, Oluwaseun Faleye, stated this during a courtesy visit by the Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale Smart Oyerinde, to the Fund’s headquarters on Wednesday.
Faleye pledged to expand all ongoing initiatives, including the flagship Safe Work Intervention Project, which aims to reward best safety practices and improve workplace safety across Nigeria.
He noted that stronger ties between the two institutions are critical in advancing labour relations and social security for Nigerian workers.
