Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
In a decisive step toward strengthening social protection and institutional accountability, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, on Thursday paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, at the Government House in Jalingo.
The engagement, held on February 26, 2026, was far from ceremonial. It formed part of a deliberate institutional strategy to build structured partnerships with progressive state governments committed to advancing workers’ welfare and strengthening governance systems.
At the centre of the dialogue was the effective implementation and expansion of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS). Addressing the Governor and senior state officials, Faleye underscored that the Scheme is not merely a statutory obligation but a vital social protection instrument that safeguards dignity for workers and stability for employers.
“When a worker is injured, disabled, or loses his life in the course of duty, the response of the government defines public trust and reinforces confidence in leadership,” he stated.
The NSITF helmsman commended Governor Kefas for his administration’s welfare-driven posture, noting that expanding ECS coverage aligns directly with the state’s commitment to protecting its workforce. However, he emphasized that beyond policy conversations, the focus must now shift to measurable and time-bound outcomes.
To achieve this, Faleye proposed practical steps aimed at expanding ECS compliance across state Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), intensifying sensitization of major employers and contractors operating within Taraba, and strengthening awareness of workplace safety and compensation obligations across the state.
For structured coordination and accountability, he recommended the designation of a focal ministry or official to interface with the Fund. He further proposed the immediate establishment of a joint technical interface between the state’s designated team and the NSITF to develop a short implementation roadmap within weeks. According to him, the Fund has already instituted an internal Strategic Inter-Agency Coordination (SIAC) framework to track timelines and deliverables arising from such high-level engagements.
Highlighting the broader institutional benefits of strengthened ECS compliance, Faleye explained that robust implementation would protect workers, reduce employers’ litigation exposure, promote industrial harmony, and reinforce the administration’s commitment to structured social protection.
In a forward-looking recommendation, he advocated the integration of the ECS Compliance Certificate into Taraba State’s public procurement and contracting processes. Under this framework, companies bidding for state contracts, seeking pre-qualification for projects, registering or renewing contractor status, or engaging in public-private partnerships would be required to provide evidence of NSITF compliance. He clarified that this would not create new obligations but would reinforce existing statutory requirements, ensuring that companies benefiting from public funds are also compliant in protecting their workers.
As the engagement drew to a close, Faleye sought clarity on the state’s preferred coordination structure and formally conferred on Governor Kefas the title of Ambassador and Advocate of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in Taraba State and across the Northeast.
Responding, Governor Kefas warmly welcomed the delegation and affirmed Taraba State’s readiness to key into the Scheme for the betterment of its workforce. He assured that the state would work through the Office of the Head of Service, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Local Government to ensure effective implementation.
The Governor expressed appreciation for the recognition of his administration’s efforts and highlighted recent strides in meeting pension obligations, revealing that the state had paid ₦5 billion to pensioners. He expressed optimism that outstanding entitlements would be cleared before the end of the year.
Reaffirming his commitment to the ECS mandate, Governor Kefas pledged that Taraba State would fulfill all obligations under the Scheme in furtherance of its dedication to workers’ welfare. Demonstrating immediate resolve, he approved the constitution of a high-powered committee to interface with the NSITF and drive the state toward full compliance.
The meeting concluded on a note of strategic alignment and shared responsibility, marking a significant milestone in deepening institutional collaboration and embedding structured social protection across Taraba State and the wider Northeast region.
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