IT’S NOT ABOUT NUMBERS, IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE’S LIVES — NSITF BOSS STORMS LAWAN WORKSHOP, CLINCHES CHAMPION OF WORKERS’ AWARD
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS –The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has drawn the line: workers’ protection is not a spreadsheet game.
Speaking in Lagos on Friday, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Oluwaseun Faleye, told Labour Writers that Nigeria must stop treating social security as bureaucracy and start treating it as dignity.
He spoke at the annual workshop of the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) themed: “Workers at the Centre of Nigeria’s Political Transition: Defending Rights, Advancing Welfare and Building Economic Justice.”
He was represented by Deputy General Manager and Head of Corporate Affairs, Alexerdra Mede.
THE BOMBSHELL DEFINITION:
“When we discuss social security, we sometimes become preoccupied with institutions, regulations, contributions and statistics. But at its heart, social security is about people.”
WHAT SOCIAL SECURITY REALLY MEANS:
“Social security should be considered as an investment in human dignity, social stability and economic resilience, not merely as an administrative mechanism.”
“Social security is about creating a system that provides protection when people face circumstances beyond their immediate control.”
“Social security must protect workers facing occupational injuries, disabilities and other circumstances that threaten their livelihoods.”
PAPER PRESENTATION:
In a paper presentation titled “Social Security and Workers’ Welfare in Nigeria’s Political Transition: Closing the Protection Gaps and Building a Sustainable Safety Net”
COMMENDATION TO LAWAN:
“Commended LAWAN for sustaining a platform for dialogue on issues affecting Nigerian workers.”
At the event, Labour Writers crowned him Champion of Workers’ Social Security for putting workers at the heart of NSITF reforms.
He noted that technological advancements, artificial intelligence, automation, remote work and the growing gig economy were changing employment patterns and creating new challenges for workers’ protection.
Faleye questioned how social security could be extended to digital-platform workers and those operating outside traditional employment arrangements, warning that technological progress must not leave workers economically active but inadequately protected.
He said closing protection gaps required improved awareness, employer compliance, accessible services, reliable data, efficient institutions and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
Faleye described the Employees’ Compensation Scheme administered by NSITF as an important instrument for protecting employees against work-related injuries, disabilities and occupational risks, and a social compact between workplace, employer, worker and wider society.
He said its effectiveness depends significantly on awareness and compliance by employers, who must understand their responsibilities.
He called for concerted efforts by government, labour, employers, media and development partners to build a sustainable safety net that ensures Nigerian workers and their families are protected against economic and social risks, especially during the country’s political transition.
At the colourful event, LAWAN honoured Faleye with the Champion of Workers’ Social Security and Safety Award in recognition of his leadership in advancing workers’ social security and safety.
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