The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has underscored the role of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) in restoring hope and dignity to Nigerian workers who suffer injuries in the line of duty.
He made the remarks in Abuja, during the presentation of prosthetic limbs to 10 beneficiaries of the scheme.
Represented by the General Manager, Claims and Compensation, Mrs. Nkiru Ogunnike, the managing director said the initiative continues to put smiles on the faces of injured workers by supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
According to him, the ECS goes beyond statutory compensation, reflecting a humane commitment to restoring confidence and preserving the dignity of workers affected by occupational hazards.
He noted that workplace accidents often result not only in physical injuries but also emotional trauma and uncertainty about the future.
Faleye explained that for many Nigerian workers, a single workplace incident can permanently alter the course of their lives.
He however, said the intervention of the NSITF through the ECS provides a second chance for victims to rebuild their lives and regain independence.
Highlighting specific cases, he cited the experiences of two beneficiaries, Daniel Etim, a staff of the University of Uyo Printing Press and Festus Opkara of Tower Aluminium, Lagos, as evidence of the scheme’s impact.
Daniel lost his arm in May 2024 after it was trapped in an industrial machine during a routine workday, an injury which led to amputation.
“However, through the intervention of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund as administrators of the ECS, Daniel received medical support, with his treatment expenses fully covered under the scheme.
“Beyond the payment of medical bills, the fund extended further rehabilitative support by providing him with a prosthetic arm, reaffirming its commitment not only to compensation but also to restoring dignity, confidence, and functionality to injured workers.
“Daniel’s story underscores the broader mandate of the Employee Compensation Scheme, a social protection mechanism designed to ensure that Nigerian workers who suffer workplace injuries, disabilities, occupational diseases, or death are not abandoned in moments of vulnerability,” the NSITF MD explained.
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“Similar to Daniel’s is the story of Festus, whose workplace accident dates back to 2015. Having lost his hand in a workplace incident, Festus lived for years with the emotional burden that accompanied his physical condition.
“Beyond the trauma of the accident itself was the constant public attention, the quizzical looks, and the pitying stares that made social interactions difficult,” he stated.
The NSITF boss addied that the fund provided Festus with a silicone prosthetic hand, helping him regain not only physical confidence but also a renewed sense of inclusion and self-worth”.
While reflecting on how his life was transformed, one of the beneficiaries, Festus Okpara enthused: ‘I thank NSITF for coming all this way to help. At least with this (a silicone artificial hand), I can go out in public and feel free. NSITF has reduced the level of trauma'”.
