NSITF Boss Faleye Seeks Lagos Government’s Support to Strengthen Employer-Employee Relations

The newly appointed Managing Director and CEO of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has called for the support of the Lagos State government in enhancing compliance with the agency’s employer-employee relationship schemes. This request was made during a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday.

Faleye, who led a delegation, the Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Employment, Labour, and Productivity—Senator Diket Plang and Adegboyega Adefarati—emphasized the need for Lagos State’s backing in enforcing laws that govern worker compensation. According to him, Lagos’ support would set a strong example for other states across the nation to follow.

Speaking on the purpose of their two-day retreat in the state, Faleye highlighted the importance of lawmakers’ involvement in better understanding the agency’s mission. He said, “We are collaborating with lawmakers to leverage their legislative influence in achieving NSITF’s objectives of providing cash and non-cash support to workers injured or deceased due to workplace hazards.”

He further called on Lagos State to integrate NSITF Requirement Certificates into their sub-contractual agreements with third parties. Faleye noted that this would enhance worker protection, ensuring that both public and private sector employees in Lagos receive adequate compensation in case of workplace injuries or sickness. He added that Lagos’ compliance would serve as a benchmark for other states to adopt similar measures.

In response, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the NSITF’s efforts but urged the agency to uphold transparency, accountability, and quality service delivery. While emphasizing that Lagos already has a strong insurance package for its workforce, Sanwo-Olu expressed his administration’s willingness to explore collaborative opportunities with the NSITF to further protect workers’ welfare in the state.

Senator Diket Plang also reiterated the lawmakers’ commitment to ensuring that employers are protected from work-related hazards and expressed readiness to push for legislative adjustments where necessary to improve productivity and workplace safety in Nigeria.

The retreat, which aimed to strengthen cooperation between lawmakers and the NSITF, represents a step forward in fostering better employer-employee relationships and ensuring the protection of workers’ rights across the country.