Fubara Hails NSITF For Empowering Workers, Disburses N75m Compensation In Rivers

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) for strengthening social protection for workers through the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS), describing the initiative as a gift to the Nigerian workforce.

Fubara gave the commendation on Wednesday when he received the Managing Director of NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, and his delegation at Government House, Port Harcourt. The visit followed the disbursement of N75 million to beneficiaries of the ECS in the state.

The governor said the scheme was projecting the federal government positively, noting that Rivers State would formally key into it.

According to him, “The good work of NSITF, through the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, is projecting the federal government in a very positive light. In fact, it is a gift to Nigerian workers and everyone who has keyed into the scheme.”

Fubara added that subscribing to the scheme would support the state’s efforts to improve workers’ welfare and could also help curb corruption by reducing workers’ fears about their future.

He emphasised the importance of institutions that provide security for employees, particularly those who suffer injuries, disabilities or death in the course of duty, saying the state government would ensure compliance beginning with contractors working on the state secretariat.

Earlier, Faleye thanked the governor for the reception and explained that NSITF was in the state to present compensation cheques and seek the government’s partnership in extending the benefits of the ECS to civil servants.

He said Rivers State’s participation would position it as a leader in the South-South region, noting that the scheme provides long-term social safety nets and enhances productivity across workplaces.

At the presentation ceremony, the NSITF boss issued three cheques totalling N75.84 million to beneficiaries. The dependants of late Ositoyibo Ogaga Joseph received N54.64 million, with Faleye announcing that the family would also get monthly death benefits of N2.02 million until the last child turns 21 in 2042.

Joseph, an employee of Depthwize Nigeria Limited, died on August 15, 2023, when a drilling rig collapsed. Representatives of the company commended NSITF for its support to the deceased’s family.

Another beneficiary, Okochi Aaron, an employee of Daewoo who lost his left leg in a 2022 accident, received N13.19 million covering medical refunds and disability benefits. Faleye noted that Aaron would continue to receive monthly payments until 2033.

A third cheque of N8 million was presented to Kennelyn Ken-Mbata, an NSITF employee who suffered a workplace accident that resulted in a dislocated knee. She expressed gratitude to the organisation for the timely assistance.

Faleye attributed previous delays in processing claims to late submissions and verification requirements but reiterated the agency’s commitment to world-class social protection for workers.