*As Lagos approves full implementation
By Charles Okonji
The Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has expressed readiness to support Lagos State Government to put in place the appropriate institutional framework for the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ESC) within the state.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of NSITF, Barr. Oluwaseun Falaye, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, on Thursday.
Falaye noted that the purpose of the visit was to establish a clear and structured pathway for the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in Lagos State.
Accordingtohim; “We would like to assure you of our full readiness to support Lagos State through: Technical onboarding and advisory support, sensitisation across MDAs, LGAs, and public institutions, claims processing and compensation administration and occupational Safety and Health interventions.”
“In order to ensure momentum, we respectfully seek alignment on the following: Identification of the lead coordinating Ministry or Office; Nomination of a focal person or technical desk; and agreement to convene a joint technical session within the next two weeks.
“We recognise the scale and sophistication of Lagos State: A large and diverse workforce, Multiple MDAs and LGAs, and
Strong administrative and payroll systems.
“We appreciate the opportunity to engage with you on a matter that directly aligns with Lagos State’s development priorities under the THEMES+Agenda, particularly in the areas of governance, economic sustainability, and health and environment.”
The MD expressed that the objective of NSITF was to establish a coordination structure between Lagos State and NSITF; and to agree on immediate next steps for a seamless onboarding process.
Faleye pointed out that “the Employees’ Compensation Scheme provides, structured protection for employees in cases of workplace injury, disease, disability, or death.
He described it as a framework for managing employer liabilities; and a mechanism for strengthening occupational safety for workers.
“Importantly, ECS serves as a direct enabler of key pillars of the THEMES+Agenda. Under Economic Sustainability, it protects the workforce that drives productivity and economic output.
“Under Security and Governance, it strengthens compliance, accountability, and institutional credibility; Under Health and Environment, it promotes safer workplaces and preventive occupational health practices.
“To ensure clarity and efficiency, we respectfully propose the following: Designation of a Coordinating Authority, a lead Ministry or Office to serve as the State’s anchor for ECS implementation.
“Nomination of a Technical Focal Person / Desk Office; A designated officer or unit to interface directly with NSITF on: Data collation Employer compliance Operational coordination Joint Technical Working Framework, A joint team comprising relevant State officials and NSITF representatives to commence: Workforce data mapping ,Onboarding design, Contribution modelling.
“We also respectfully highlight an opportunity to institutionalise compliance through existing State processes. This may include integrating NSITF compliance requirements into: Contract bidding, contractor prequalification and public procurement frameworks.
“This approach reinforces the Governance pillar of the THEMES+Agenda by ensuring that all organisations engaging with the State meet minimum worker protection standards.
“We look forward to working closely with your team to translate this into an effective implementation model”, the MD reiterated.
In his response, the Lagos State HoS, Mr. Bode Agoro, expressed appreciation for the gesture and immediately announced the full implementation of the Employees Compensation Scheme in the state with the establishment of a unit in the state to manage the scheme.
