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Fubara Hails NSITF For Empowering Workers, Disburses N75m Compensation In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday hailed the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) for projecting President Bola Tinubu’s administration in positive light through the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).
Fubara described the fund as a gift to Nigerian workers, saying the state will key into the scheme.
Fubara made the remarks when he received in audience Managing Director/Chief Executive of NSITF, Mr. Oluwaseun Faleye, and his team in Port Harcourt.
Faleye had paid a courtesy visit to the governor after presenting cheques to different beneficiaries of ECS in the state, which amounted to N75 million.
Fubara heartily welcomed Faleye, saying, “The good work of NSITF, through the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, is projecting the federal government in a very positive light. In fact, it is a gift to Nigerian workers and everyone who has keyed into the scheme.”
He also assured that the state would embrace the scheme.
According to the governor, “We are trying in our little ways to improve the fortunes of our workers. We will take it as a matter of priority to ensure we subscribe to the Employees’ Compensation Scheme managed by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.”
The governor said the scheme could come in handy in the fight against corruption.
He said, “One way of fighting corruption is for the state to key in into the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.”
He explained that corruption was “fuelled by the fear of what happens to the individual when they are no longer able to work”.
The governor emphasised the importance of institutions, such as NSITF, that could allay workers’ fears of the future and also give them hope.
He expressed joy that the “Scheme is working and catering for the needs of injured and disabled workers as well as families of deceased ones”.
Fubara said, “Nothing will stop us from working towards subscribing to the scheme.”
In his remarks, Faleye thanked the governor for the warm reception.
He explained that his mission in Rivers State was to present checks to beneficiaries under the ECS and solicit the governor’s support for the scheme.
He said, “We are here in Rivers State to present checks to some private sector employees who are beneficiaries of the scheme.
“We are also here to solicit your support in ensuring that the Rivers State government subscribes to the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in the bid to improve the state workers’ welfare.
“Rivers State keying into the scheme will be a trailblazer. Rivers can be the leading light of the ECS in the South-south region.”
Further explaining the scheme to the governor, Faleye said, “We are mandated by law to implement the ECS in the case of death, injury or diseases that may occur in the course of work. It is instructive to note that our compensation goes on for some while to provide social safety net for employees.
“In the same vein, it offers a lot of economic benefits to the state and its workforce, as the scheme builds resilience in the workforce ecosystem thereby contributing to economic productivity.”
Faleye appealed to the governor to make NSITF compliance certificate a prerequisite for doing business with the state government, which the governor readily accepted.
Fubara said Rivers State would start by ensuring that contractors undertaking renovation of the state secretariat complied with ESC.
Earlier, at the awards ceremony, the NSITF boss presented three checks totaling N75.84 million to beneficiaries in the state.
Presenting a cheque of N54.64 million to the dependants of late Mr. Ositoyibo Ogaga Joseph, Faleye commiserated with the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
While acknowledging that nothing could compensate for life lost, he expressed hope that the money “brings some measure of comfort and support during this difficult time”.
Joseph, an employee of Depthwize Nigeria Limited, drowned when the drilling rig he was working on collapsed on August 15, 2023. He left behind a young family consisting of a totally dependent housewife and mother of four children.
Faleye assured that aside the lump sum payment, “The dependents will be paid monthly death benefits of N2. 02 million, representing 90 per cent of the deceased’s salary, until the last child turns 21 years in 2042.”
Orela Okulue VP, representing the managing director of Depthwize Nigeria Limited, lauded NSITF’s commitment to alleviating the burden of families when work place accidents occur.
Okulue thanked NSITF for giving hope to the dependants of the deceased.
She appreciated the fund for making the process seamless and bringing succour to the families and the organisation.
According to her, “It has made our work very easy and we appreciate the management team of NSITF for coming.”
Similarly, the NSITF team presented a cheque of N13.19 million in favour of Okochi Aaron, an employee of Daewoo, who was involved in an automobile accident in March 2022, leading to amputation of his left leg.
Faleye explained, “This cheque, representing Medical Expense Refunds (N8,481,560) and Disability benefits (N4,715,517.34), totalling N13,197,077.34, demonstrates our commitment to fulfilling our mandate.”
He revealed that the beneficiary would continue to receive monthly payments until he turns 55 years old in 2033.
Responding on behalf of Daewoo, General Manager, Mr. Akabo Clement Abrakasa expressed delight to NSITF for the visit and stated that fund was a critical stakeholder in the Daewoo family.
Abrakasa stated, “We are a critical stakeholder with NSITF and we are particularly happy with your presence because it’s a demonstration of your commitment to keeping to your promise of providing succour and support to deceased employees and injured staff.”
An employee of NSITF, Kennelyn Ken-Mbata, was last on the list for the second phase of cheque presentation.
Ken-Mbata suffered workplace accident leading to a dislocated right knee.
Faleye said, “Today, I’m pleased to present a compensation check in the sum of
N8,001,095.64 to NSITF in respect of one of our employees who suffered a workplace accident.
“As we all know, workplace accidents can be unpredictable, and I am deeply sorry that you had to go through this challenging experience. Your accident, which resulted in a dislocated right knee, was unfortunate. We appreciate your resilience and determination in the face of adversity.”
Faleye attributed the delay in payment of compensations mainly to late filling of claims and time allowed for investigations and verifications.
He reiterated the management’s resolve to make NSITF a social protection provider of international standards.
Ken-Mbata expressed her gratitude to the fund for coming to her aid in time of need. She was especially full of praises for the managing director for “making NSITF come alive again”.