Lagos moves to protect workforce

…partners NSITF for compensation scheme rollout

The Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has declared its readiness to partner with the Lagos State Government to establish a robust framework for the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS), in a move set to strengthen worker protection across the state.
This development comes as the Lagos State Government formally approved the full implementation of the scheme, signalling a major step toward improved workplace safety and employee welfare.
Managing Director and Chief Executive of NSITF, Barrister Oluwaseun Falaye, made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to the Head of Service of Lagos State, Mr. Bode Agoro, in his office on Thursday.
Falaye explained that the visit was aimed at creating a clear and structured pathway for the seamless rollout of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in Lagos.
“We are here to establish a practical and implementation-focused framework that will ensure Lagos State fully benefits from the Employees’ Compensation Scheme,” Falaye said.
He assured the state government of NSITF’s full institutional backing, outlining areas of support to include technical onboarding, advisory services, sensitisation across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Local Government Areas (LGAs), as well as claims processing and occupational safety interventions.
“We would like to assure you of our full readiness to support Lagos State through technical onboarding and advisory support, sensitisation across MDAs and LGAs, claims processing and compensation administration, and occupational safety and health interventions,” he stated.
To fast-track implementation, the NSITF boss called for immediate alignment between both parties on key operational steps.
“We respectfully seek alignment on the identification of a 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,” he said.
Falaye described Lagos as a strategic partner, citing its large and diverse workforce, complex administrative structure, and strong payroll systems as critical advantages for successful implementation.
“We recognise the scale and sophistication of Lagos State, with its large workforce, multiple MDAs and LGAs, and strong administrative systems,” he noted.
He added that the scheme aligns with the state’s THEMES+ Agenda, particularly in promoting economic sustainability, governance, and health and environmental standards.
“At this stage, our objective is clear—to establish a coordination structure between Lagos State and NSITF and agree on immediate next steps for seamless onboarding,” Falaye said.
Highlighting the importance of the scheme, he noted that the ECS provides structured protection for employees in cases of workplace injury, disease, disability, or death, while also offering a framework for managing employer liabilities.
“The scheme strengthens occupational safety and serves as a direct enabler of economic sustainability by protecting the workforce that drives productivity,” he explained.
Falaye further stressed that the initiative would enhance accountability and institutional credibility, while promoting safer workplaces and preventive health practices.
He proposed the designation of a coordinating authority within the state, alongside the appointment of a technical focal person to interface directly with NSITF on data collation, compliance, and operational coordination.
The NSITF boss also suggested integrating compliance requirements into existing state processes such as contract bidding, contractor pre qualification, and public procurement frameworks to institutionalise worker protection standards.
“This approach reinforces governance by ensuring that all organisations engaging with the state meet minimum worker protection requirements,” he said.
Responding, Head of Service Mr. Bode Agoro commended NSITF for the initiative and expressed the state government’s commitment to the scheme.
Agoro went further to announce the immediate and full implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in Lagos State, including the establishment of a dedicated unit to manage its operations.
The development marks a significant milestone in efforts to safeguard workers’ rights and welfare in Nigeria’s commercial capital, setting the stage for a more secure and accountable labour environment.