By Omoniyi David
Weeks after the 65th Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Conference in Enugu, conversations are still resonating around the strong presentation by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), on workplace safety and the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA), 2010.
At the conference, NSITF Managing Director, Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, presented a paper titled “Enhancing Workplace Safety and Social Protection: The Role of Employees’ Compensation Act 2010.”
Following the event, Chairman of the NBA Gwagwalada Branch, Owhor Clever (Esq.), led a courtesy visit to the NSITF headquarters in Abuja.
He described the presentation as “an eye opener for many lawyers in Nigeria, especially on the functions of the Fund and the ECA,” while lamenting that many workers still suffer workplace injuries due to lack of awareness.
Responding on behalf of the NSITF boss, Executive Director of Administration, Barr. Samaila Abdu, called on lawyers to use their influence to promote compliance with the ECA.
“We have a duty to ourselves and to our clients,” he said, urging legal practitioners to guide employers and employees on how to key into the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).
Faleye also disclosed that the Fund plans to embark on a nationwide sensitization campaign through NBA branches, with a commitment to collaborate with NBA Gwagwalada on training, awareness, and other joint initiatives.
“The Employees’ Compensation Act 2010 emerged as both a legal reform and a moral commitment to protect workers against workplace injuries, but only for those who have keyed into the scheme,” Faleye emphasized.
