Fubara Hails NSITF For Empowering Workers, Disburses N75m Compensation In Rivers
Rivers State Governor Fubara Commends NSITF’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme, Backs Expanded Social Protection
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has praised the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) for effectively projecting President Bola Tinubu’s administration in a positive light through the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS)—a programme he describes as “a gift to Nigerian workers.”
The governor made the remarks on Wednesday in Port Harcourt while receiving the NSITF Managing Director/Chief Executive, Oluwaseun Faleye, who led his team on a courtesy visit after presenting ₦75 million in ECS benefits to beneficiaries in the state.
Fubara: ECS Gives Workers Hope and Supports Anti-Corruption Efforts
Governor Fubara commended the Fund for providing financial relief to injured workers, disabled employees, and families of deceased staff, noting that the scheme strengthens social protection across Nigeria.
“The good work of NSITF through the Employees’ Compensation Scheme is projecting the federal government positively. It is a gift to Nigerian workers,” he said.
He assured that the state government would prioritise joining the ECS, saying it supports anti-corruption efforts by reducing workers’ fear of the future.
“Corruption is often driven by fear of what happens when an individual can no longer work. The scheme gives workers confidence and hope,” Fubara added.
He also pledged to ensure that contractors handling the renovation of the state secretariat comply with ECS requirements.
Faleye: Rivers State Can Be ‘Leading Light’ of ECS in South-South
Faleye, in his remarks, thanked the governor for the warm reception and emphasised the legal mandate of NSITF to provide compensation in cases of workplace death, injury, or disease.
“Rivers State keying into the scheme will make it a trailblazer in the South-South,” he said.
He appealed to the governor to make NSITF compliance certificates mandatory for businesses seeking contracts with the state government—a proposal Fubara immediately accepted.
₦75.84 Million Compensation Presented to Beneficiaries
Earlier at the presentation event, Faleye handed three cheques totaling ₦75.84 million to beneficiaries:
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₦54.64 million to the dependants of the late Mr. Ositoyibo Ogaga Joseph, an employee of Depthwize Nigeria Limited who drowned when his rig collapsed in August 2023.
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His dependants will also receive ₦2.02 million monthly until his youngest child turns 21 in 2042.
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₦13.19 million to Okochi Aaron, a Daewoo employee who lost his left leg in a March 2022 accident.
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He will continue receiving monthly disability benefits until 2033.
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₦8.00 million to Kennelyn Ken-Mbata, an NSITF staff member who suffered a workplace accident that dislocated her right knee.
Representatives from Depthwize Nigeria Limited and Daewoo Nigeria Limited commended NSITF for its efficiency, transparency, and commitment to workers’ welfare.
Faleye acknowledged that some payment delays result from late filing of claims and the need for thorough investigations but reaffirmed NSITF’s commitment to delivering international-standard social protection services.
Beneficiary Ken-Mbata expressed heartfelt appreciation to NSITF management for restoring the Fund’s vitality and supporting staff in difficult times.