From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, has reiterated the Fund’s commitment to the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) for the benefit of federal civil servants, even as he commended the Federal Government for the newly introduced welfare enhancement package in the Federal Civil Service.
This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja, in which Faleye gave the assurance during his remarks at a press briefing by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, on welfare enhancements in the Federal Civil Service, held at the weekend.
While commending Mrs. Walson-Jack for what he described as a laudable initiative aimed at improving the standard of living of federal civil servants, Faleye said the NSITF was prepared to complement the efforts of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) through the effective implementation of the ECS.
“I appreciate your leadership in bringing to bear the newly announced welfare packages and schemes for the benefit of federal civil servants. On our part at the NSITF, on behalf of the Board and Management, I reiterate our commitment to the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, particularly for federal civil servants whose agencies are treasury-funded,” he said.
The NSITF boss recalled that the recent establishment of an ECS desk in the OHCSF was part of efforts to expand the benefits of the scheme to civil servants.
“You will recall that a few days ago, we were here to officially commission the desk situated in the Service Welfare Office under the Head of Service.
“It is designed as a one-stop centre for continuous advocacy and enlightenment on processes under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.
“That office is structured to provide guidance and support to all federal civil servants who may require assistance on how best to comply with, and benefit from, the scheme,” he explained.
Faleye further noted that under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the NSITF and the OHCSF, the Fund is committed to delivering prompt and professional services, as well as supporting awareness campaigns across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“I am using this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to all that has been agreed, and we hope this marks the beginning of a deeper partnership between the Federal Civil Service and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund,” he added.
Earlier in her address, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the welfare enhancement package as historic under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This moment calls for special acknowledgement of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“History will record that it was under this administration that the welfare of civil servants moved from rhetoric to reality. Mr. President’s commitment is visible, deliberate, and impactful,” she stated.
Walson-Jack emphasised that the briefing signified a renewed commitment to the welfare of public servants.
“This is not just another announcement. It is a declaration that the Nigerian civil servant matters; that welfare is now at the centre of government policy; and that dedication will be matched with tangible and meaningful support,” she said.
She added that the timing of the announcement, coming ahead of International Workers’ Day on May 1, was deliberate.
“It is a powerful message that those who serve this nation deserve recognition not just in words, but in policies, actions, and measurable benefits,” she noted.
Commending the NSITF, she said the Fund had transformed a long-standing legislative provision into a functional social protection system.
“The Employees’ Compensation Scheme has been operationalised as a structured mechanism to compensate civil servants who suffer work-related injuries, occupational diseases, disability, or loss of life in the course of duty.
“This scheme complements the existing Group Life Assurance Scheme and significantly expands protection for our workforce and their families,” she said.
She assured that civil servants no longer need to fear the consequences of workplace accidents.
“A civil servant should never have to worry that an accident at work will leave their family without support. That assurance is now in place,” she added.
Among the newly introduced welfare measures is a ₦10 billion housing loan scheme aimed at improving access to affordable home ownership for public servants.
Other measures include the payment of full Duty Tour Allowance for approved training programmes, upward review of Peculiar Allowance across grade levels, and increases in estacode, book allowance, and other entitlements to reflect current economic realities.