Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, has said social security must be seen as an investment in human dignity, social stability and economic resilience, rather than merely an administrative mechanism.
Faleye spoke on Friday in Lagos at the annual workshop of the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN), where he was honoured with the Champion of Workers’ Social Security and Safety Award.
The workshop was themed: _“Workers at the Centre of Nigeria’s Political Transition: Defending Rights, Advancing Welfare and Building Economic Justice.”_
In a paper titled, _“Social Security and Workers’ Welfare in Nigeria’s Political Transition: Closing the Protection Gaps and Building a Sustainable Safety Net_,” Faleye said social security should provide protection when circumstances beyond people’s immediate control threaten their livelihoods.
The NSITF boss, who was represented by the Fund’s Deputy General Manager and Head of Corporate Affairs, Alexerdra Mede, commended LAWAN for sustaining a platform for dialogue on issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“When we discuss social security, we sometimes become preoccupied with institutions, regulations, contributions and statistics. But at its heart, social security is about people,” he said.
Faleye said workers facing occupational injuries, disabilities and other circumstances capable of threatening their livelihoods must have access to adequate protection.
He noted that technological advancements, artificial intelligence, automation, remote work and the growing gig economy were changing employment patterns and creating fresh challenges for workers’ protection.
The NSITF boss questioned how social security could be extended to digital-platform workers and those operating outside traditional employment arrangements, warning that technological progress must not leave workers economically active but inadequately protected.
He said closing protection gaps would require improved awareness, employer compliance, accessible services, reliable data, efficient institutions and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
Faleye described the Employees’ Compensation Scheme administered by the NSITF as an important instrument for protecting employees against work-related injuries, disabilities and occupational risks.
He said the scheme represents a social compact between the workplace, employer, worker and the wider society, adding that its effectiveness depends significantly on awareness and compliance by employers.
Faleye called for concerted efforts by government, labour, employers, the media and development partners to build a sustainable safety net that protects Nigerian workers and their families against economic and social risks, particularly during the country’s political transition.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Champion of Workers’ Social Security and Safety Award to Faleye by LAWAN in recognition of his leadership in advancing workers’ social security and safety in Nigeria.
