By Joan Nwagwu
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) on Wednesday sought the collaboration of the media in promoting social safety for Nigerian workers.
Mr Olawaseun Faleye, the Managing Director of NSITF, made the call during a briefing with members of the Labour Correspondents Association of Nigeria (LACAN).
The briefing also marked the inauguration of a mass advocacy and sensitisation campaign in Abuja.
“It is my hope that, as we embark on this journey, members of LACAN will be key partners in advocacy, progress, and the commitment to advancing social safety for Nigerian workers.
“The engagement with the media is crucial as NSITF enters a new phase of transformation,” Faleye said.
Faleye acknowledged the importance of the media, particularly labour correspondents, in shaping public participation and opinion.
“I am pleased that you are here today to discuss issues related to social protection, especially those concerning legal and social protection matters,” he stated.
He emphasised the need for a strong working relationship with the media, one built on transparency, collaboration, and shared commitment to advancing social security and labour-related issues in the country.
“As labour journalists, you play an instrumental role in advocating for workers’ welfare, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership for the benefit of Nigerian workers,” Faleye added.
Beyond advocacy, Faleye pointed out that it was equally important for journalists to benefit from the social safety net.
He reminded them that, as employees of employers, business owners, proprietors, and publishers, journalists were also entitled to the protection that NSITF offered.
“Given the risks inherent in journalism, you deserve the kind of protection that NSITF provides in the course of your work,” he said.
Faleye also called on journalists to demand that their employers ensured they were covered by the scheme.
“Beyond the advocacy that you will support, I urge you to ask your employers to ensure you are covered as you carry out your work,” he said.
Speaking on the mass advocacy and sensitisation campaign, Faleye acknowledged that, in spite of the scheme’s significant benefits, awareness remained a major challenge.
“A large number of Nigerians are still unaware of the benefits this scheme offers.
“To address this, we have committed substantial resources to engage the public and educate them on the scheme,” he noted.
He explained that the campaign would utilise media engagement, stakeholder partnerships, and grassroots outreach to ensure that all workers, employers, and relevant stakeholders understood their rights and obligations under the scheme.
Faleye highlighted that NSITF planned to use both traditional and new media to advocate for the scheme’s benefits and rely on the media’s support to achieve its goals.
“Our ultimate aim is to reposition NSITF for sustainability and greater impact,” he said.