Justice Beyond Statute Books: NSITF MD Seeks Stronger Enforcement Of Employees' Compensation Act

Managing Director/Chief Executive of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, Mr. Oluwaseun Faleye, has called for stronger judicial interpretation, adjudication and enforcement under Employees' Compensation Act, ECA 2010, to ensure Nigerian workers actually experience justice law promises.

Faleye made call on Thursday in his welcome address at opening of NSITF 2026 Legal Stakeholders' Engagement in Abuja.

Two-day event themed "Enhancing Judicial Interpretation, Adjudication and Enforcement under the Employees' Compensation Act, ECA, 2010."

He noted while last year's engagement focused on strengthening collaboration for sustainable administration of Employees' Compensation Scheme, this year's edition addresses deeper question: how statutory rights can be translated into practical justice.

Drawing on experience of everyday Nigerian workers - mothers, construction workers, factory employees and drivers who leave home each day expecting to return - he observed workplace accident instantly becomes human crisis with financial, emotional and social consequences.

“Does the law provide a framework for protection? Yes. Does the Employees' Compensation Act establish a system for compensation for work-related injury, disease, disability or death? Yes. But existence of a law does not by itself guarantee that its promise will be fulfilled,” Faleye said.

He explained effectiveness of ECA depends on three interconnected stages - interpretation, adjudication and enforcement:

“First, are provisions being understood and applied in manner consistent with wording, purpose and legal context? Second, are disputes being resolved fairly, on evidence and applicable law, without avoidable delay? Third, are lawful decisions and orders being given effect so that justice does not end with pronouncement of judgment? Weakness at any stage can undermine confidence in entire system.”

NSITF MD underscored pivotal role of National Industrial Court of Nigeria, NICN, in labour justice, noting Court's interpretation of ECA has consequences beyond immediate parties.

Such decisions, he said, clarify rights, guide conduct of employers and employees, and shape resolution of future disputes.

For workers, justice means practical realisation of entitlements; for employers, predictable legal environment. Credibility of Scheme rests on workers' confidence that legitimate claims will be addressed and employers' confidence that obligations will be determined fairly.

Faleye affirmed Fund will continue to strengthen administrative processes, improve claims handling, promote awareness and encourage employer compliance.

He acknowledged NSITF cannot achieve objectives in isolation.

He urged participants to treat engagement not as ceremonial gathering, but opportunity to identify practical solutions, highlight areas requiring greater legal clarity, improve cooperation, reduce avoidable disputes and promote compliance.

“Value of a stakeholder engagement lies not merely in quality of speeches delivered but in clarity of understanding it produces and improvements that follow,” he said.

“May our deliberations strengthen rule of law and ensure promise of protection becomes reality for Nigerian workers.”

In his goodwill message, Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, said strength of nation lies not merely in laws it makes, but in wisdom with which those laws are applied and integrity of institutions entrusted with administration.

While laws may establish rights and define obligations, public confidence ultimately rests on assurance justice will be administered fairly, impartially and with due regard for dignity of every individual.

Recalling late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa that "judiciary is last hope of common man," Minister observed:

“This statement carries profound responsibility. It reminds us that for many citizens, justice system represents final recourse when other avenues have failed. Such trust must never be taken lightly.”

Such trust, he said, demands wisdom in judgment, integrity in public service and unwavering commitment to fairness.

He reaffirmed Ministry's belief that just and productive society must be built on respect for law, responsible institutions and shared commitment to public good.

“Credibility of our institutions is strengthened not by words alone, but by quality and integrity of their actions,” he stressed.

He commended NSITF Management under Faleye for convening engagement, describing it as important national initiative.

He also appreciated President of National Industrial Court, members of Bench and Bar, and all participants.

“May your deliberations be guided by wisdom, enriched by experience and directed towards outcomes that strengthen public confidence in our institutions,” Minister said.

Delivering keynote address, President of National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip, advocated institutional synergy to strengthen Scheme and ensure benefits reach intended beneficiaries.

He commended NSITF for creating platform that will enhance Scheme in overall interest of Nigerians and workplace, adding robust engagement with judiciary will further boost Fund's impact on service delivery.

Event drew senior government and judicial officials, including President of NICN; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour; Honourable Justices of NICN; members of Bench and Bar; Employers' Associations; organised labour; and development partners.

Engagement continued Thursday with technical sessions on legal and evidential issues in compensation disputes, and challenges of compliance and enforcement.

About NSITF: Federal Government agency under supervision of Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, established 1993, administers Employees' Compensation Scheme under ECA 2010, providing compensation to employees or dependants for work-related injury, disease, disability or death, promotes occupational safety and rehabilitation.