Worker safety cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic transformation

Orisemeke Benjamin

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund has said that workers protection should be at the centre of national development.

The Fund, also called for safer, digitally empowered and more resilient workforce.

The event, held under the theme Trade, Technology and Transformation: Leveraging Digital Trade for Economic and Industrial Growth, provided a strategic platform for the Fund to highlight its reform efforts and its renewed commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers.

Addressing participants, NSITF’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, Oluwaseun Faleye, said Nigeria’s pursuit of economic renewal under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda demands stronger institutions, deeper digitisation and a business environment that inspires confidence. According to him, any nation hoping to lead in tomorrow’s global economy must embrace technology with intention, adapt with speed and ensure that workers and employers operate within a protective framework.

Faleye explained that the Employees’ Compensation Scheme remains the backbone of the Fund’s mandate, designed not only to support workers in the event of accidents but also to safeguard employers and maintain productivity. He noted that NSITF’s focus has shifted towards building trust, improving claims transparency and widening digital access to its services, ensuring that workers can report incidents swiftly and employers can comply more seamlessly.

Over the past year, the Fund has intensified engagement with micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, recognising their critical role in national economic stability. Faleye described MSMEs as drivers of innovation and trade whose sustainability depends on a safe and confident workforce. He encouraged manufacturers, traders, entrepreneurs and investors to partner with the Fund, stressing that the strength of the economy is inseparable from the safety of those powering it.

Also speaking at the fair, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, Erelu Ndanusa, emphasised that workplace safety remains a pressing concern, particularly within the private sector. She urged organisations to take proactive steps to prevent accidents and adopt a culture of responsibility. According to her, the trade fair is more than a commercial hub; it is a platform for dialogue, collaboration and national growth.

This year’s fair underscored a shared message: a protected workforce is fundamental to sustainable economic advancement. By positioning safety as an economic imperative, NSITF and its partners aim to strengthen business resilience and foster long-term national prosperity.