The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has urged for stronger judicial interpretation, adjudication, and enforcement of the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010. This call was made during the opening of the 2026 NSITF Legal Stakeholders’ Engagement in Abuja. The event brought together judges, lawyers, labour leaders, employers, and government officials to discuss ways to strengthen the administration of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.
The two-day engagement, themed “Enhancing Judicial Interpretation, Adjudication and Enforcement under the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA), 2010,” aims to examine the implementation of the Act. Faleye emphasized that the existence of the law alone does not guarantee justice for workers who suffer workplace injuries, diseases, disabilities, or death. He stressed that the real test of the Act lies in its interpretation, dispute resolution, and enforcement of court decisions.
According to Faleye, weaknesses in interpretation, adjudication, or enforcement could erode public confidence in the compensation system. He highlighted that decisions of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) have far-reaching implications, clarifying workers’ rights, guiding employers’ conduct, and shaping future labour disputes. Faleye noted that for workers, justice means the practical realization of their entitlements, while for employers, it means a predictable legal environment.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, expressed that public confidence in government institutions depends on fair and impartial justice administration. He quoted late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, describing the judiciary as “the last hope of the common man.” Dingyadi emphasized that the judiciary bears a profound responsibility to uphold fairness and integrity, and that institutional credibility is strengthened by the quality and integrity of their actions.
President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip, advocated for stronger institutional collaboration to ensure compensation benefits reach deserving workers. The engagement seeks to foster collaboration and discuss challenges in the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Act. Participants aim to find solutions to enhance the effectiveness of the compensation system for Nigerian workers.
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) is committed to providing support to workers who suffer work-related injuries or disabilities. The Fund’s efforts focus on ensuring that workers receive the compensation they deserve. By engaging stakeholders, the NSITF aims to address challenges and improve the administration of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.
The 2026 NSITF Legal Stakeholders’ Engagement in Abuja concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Act. The event provided a platform for discussion and knowledge sharing among judges, lawyers, labour leaders, employers, and government officials.
Key points
- The Managing Director of NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, calls for stronger judicial interpretation of the Employees’ Compensation Act to ensure workers enjoy protections guaranteed under the law.
