Partynership
By Joan Nwagwu
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund and the Taraba State Government have agreed to deepen collaboration to strengthen the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Emmanuel Ulayi, Media officer in the NSITF on Thursday in Abuja.
It said the Managing Director of NSITF, Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, said this during a courtesy visit to Gov. Agbu Kefas in Jalingo.
Faleye said the engagement aimed to build structured partnerships with progressive state governments committed to workers’ welfare and institutional sustainability.
He described the Employees’ Compensation Scheme as a critical social protection tool that guarantees dignity for workers and stability for employers.
Faleye said expanded ECS coverage would align with the Taraba government’s welfare agenda and reinforce public trust in leadership.
He proposed steps to expand ECS compliance across state MDAs, contractors and major employers operating in Taraba State.
The NSITF boss also suggested integrating ECS compliance certification into public procurement and contracting processes.
According to him, the move would ensure companies benefiting from public funds also comply with statutory worker protection requirements.
Responding, Gov. Kefas assured the state’s commitment to full ECS compliance.
Kefas said the constitution of a committee to interface with NSITF and ensure Taraba State achieves full ECS compliance.
Kefas said the state would partner NSITF through the Office of the Head of Service, Ministries of Finance and Local Government to ensure all eligible workers are enrolled in the scheme.
He commended the NSITF delegation for commending the administration’s welfare initiatives, saying the government remained focused on improving workers’ living and working conditions.
The governor said that the state recently paid about N5 billion to pensioners, adding that that all outstanding pension liabilities would be cleared before year end.
Kefas pledged to meet all obligations under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in furtherance of the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
He accepted his confirmation as ECS Advocacy Ambassador for Taraba State and the North-East, pledging to promote the scheme in the interest of workers and the country.
The governor also approved the immediate establishment of a high-powered committee to interface with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund on ECS implementation.