“I have repeatedly assured the staff of NSITF that I will leave the Fund better than I met it. That remains my commitment,” says Faleye
The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has disclosed that the Fund has undergone significant reforms in the last two years, moving from predominantly manual operations to a more digital, efficient and accountable institution.
Faleye stated this on Monday when the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Kamil Shoretire, paid a familiarisation visit to the NSITF headquarters in Abuja.
The NSITF helmsman said the reform programme became necessary after the present management assumed office in July 2024 and encountered several institutional challenges, including heavy reliance on manual processes, a top-heavy management structure, career stagnation and gaps in the deployment of personnel and resources.
According to him, the management has since embarked on a comprehensive transformation programme designed to reposition the Fund for more effective service delivery.
He said the measures include a comprehensive staff audit, digital transformation, organisational restructuring, improved working conditions, staff capacity development and expansion of coverage under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).
“After two years, I believe it is fair to say that NSITF is no longer where it was when this Management assumed office. The digital transformation has begun. The organisational structure is being progressively reconfigured. The top-heavy management structure is being addressed,” Faleye said.
He explained that the comprehensive staff audit provided the management with an objective assessment of the workforce structure and organisational needs of the Fund.
“One of the first things we did was to undertake a comprehensive staff audit and provide an objective assessment of our workforce structure and organisational needs,” he said.
Faleye also disclosed that the Fund had commenced its transition from predominantly manual processes to integrated and responsive digital systems.
He said structural imbalances were being addressed through a Voluntary Exit Exercise aimed at creating a leaner and more functional organisation, with clearer responsibilities and renewed opportunities for career progression.
On the working environment, the managing director said the Operations Directorate had been relocated to the Mukhtar El-Yakub Building, while branches across the country were being given facelifts.
He added that offices operating under branch-in-branch arrangements were being provided with dedicated spaces, while furniture, ICT equipment, printers and transportation facilities were being deployed progressively.
The NSITF boss said the management was also investing in sustained capacity building to enhance staff competence and improve service delivery.
On coverage under the ECS, Faleye said the reforms were already yielding results, with the Fund having successfully onboarded treasury-funded Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
He disclosed that payment of claims had also commenced, with the first batch of five beneficiaries recently receiving compensation at an event witnessed by the Permanent Secretary.
“We are at an advanced stage of engagement with the Lagos State Government and Taraba State Government, while discussions with a number of other States are progressing,” Faleye said.
He added that the Fund was strengthening partnerships with Federal MDAs and regional organisations to deepen ECS coverage, particularly among workers in the informal and emerging economies.
The NSITF managing director, however, acknowledged that the reform process remained a work in progress.
He identified expansion of coverage to informal workers, improved compliance, stronger data and digital integration, and enhanced claims administration as some of the areas requiring further attention.
Faleye described the Ministry of Labour and Employment as a strategic partner in strengthening Nigeria’s social protection architecture and called for greater collaboration to accelerate the ongoing reforms.
“Our commitment is to continue to leave no stone unturned in building an NSITF that is transformed, efficient, effective, accountable and transparent; an institution that workers can trust, employers can engage with confidently, and the Government can rely upon to deliver,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to leaving the Fund better than he met it.
“I have repeatedly assured the staff of NSITF that I will leave the Fund better than I met it. That remains my commitment,” Faleye declared.
Responding, Shoretire commended the NSITF management for what he described as bold reforms and visible improvements in the Fund.
The Permanent Secretary pledged the ministry’s continued support to strengthen Nigeria’s social security system.
He, however, urged the Fund to collaborate with sister agencies to extend the coverage of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme to the informal sector.
Shoretire also called for greater emphasis on preventive workplace safety programmes, stressing the need for measures that would reduce occupational injuries and protect workers before accidents occur.
He further called for improved cooperation between the management and the board of the Fund to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.
Reviewed by NewBuzz
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September 21, 2026
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