By Merit Ibe
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has urged employers of labour in the organised private sector and ministries, department and agencies (MDAs), who are yet to enroll into the scheme to key in.
The Regional Manager, Abdul Lateef – Musa, made the plea at the ongoing Lagos International trade fair organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
Lateef-Musa, who noted that the fund was committed to employee’s welfare, added that the NSITF was at the fair to expose the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) and its benefits to all employers and employees in the private and public sectors. He disclosed that the fund has engaged the social media platforms to ensure improvement of the delivery of services and for stakeholders to maximize benefits.
He said the fund has left no stone unturned in ensuring that its delivery is at par with international Labour organisation and recognised world’s best standards.
Lateef-Musa further pleaded with both employees and employers to partner the fund to enhance protection, welfare and safety of all members and dependants.
The Regional Manager who noted that its mandate is payment of compensation for any death, injury ,disease or disability arising in the course of employment and other related matters,noted that its vision is to be the leading social security institution on Africa.
He said the ECS is mandatory scheme that entails monthly contributions to employees of labour to protect workers from work related accidents , injuries , disabilities and death in the course of work.
He emphasised that the ECS is mandatory for both formal and informal sectors.
“The contribution is one percent of the monthly emoluments of workers , payables by employers of labour for the benefits of its employees.”
On his part, the Managing Director of the NSITF, Dr Michael Akabuogu, said to drive a speedy and efficient service delivery, the fund has invested and upgraded its IT platforms , public awareness opportunities, seamless delivery, adding that the fund has presence in 11 regions and 56 branches across the nation to ensure easy accessibility by all employees and employers.