General News
NSITF’s Rehabilitation Programme: Restoring Hope, Life, and Dignity to Injured Workers
By Emmanuel Ulayi
40-year old Taiwo Adebola bade his young family goodbye as he left for work on a Tuesday morning in June 2024. His wife, Shade, reminded him to send her the two thousand Naira needed to process her online registration for employment with a government agency.
However, the call she received next destabilized all plans. Her husband laid in the hospital bed, severely injured in a road accident just a few metres to his office. She borrowed money from a neighbour, made arrangements for a neighbour to help pick her toddlers from kindergarten and rushed to the hospital. Thus began a harrowing experience.
For the next six months, she juggled between home, school, and the hospital. She missed the deadline for the online application she had planned on making and missed two more job interviews.
Taiwo operated the paper-cutting machine at a small printing outfit. But with the loss of his left hand, he could no longer carry on his duty after he was discharged from hospital. With the wife unemployed and two children to care for, he turned to friends and family for help since what little investment he had vanished in the course of treatment. With time, it was proving increasingly difficult getting any bailout from them.
Then came hope! Hassan, Taiwo’s boss recollected he had grudgingly registered his company into the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) run by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) only to fulfill requirements for getting grade “C” printing contracts from government offices. He wasn’t fully aware of the full benefits of the Scheme until an NSITF employee, learning of Taiwo’s situation, enlightened Hassan about them.
After he was assisted to file for claims, the Fund reimbursed Taiwo four million Naira (N4, 000, 000) for his medical expenses, compensated the company for loss of productivity, and paid a lump sum of one million, six hundred and fifty thousand Naira (1,650, 000) to Taiwo’s as salary backlog.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the NSITF, Barrister Olúwaṣeun Faleye, while presenting the cheques to Taiwo, stated that Fund “will continue to pay Taiwo 80% of his monthly salary until he attains the age of fifty five.”
Taiwo is just one of the roughly 2.4 million workers globally who suffer work-related accidents per annum according to International Labour Organization’s (ILO) data.
Enter the Rehabilitation Programme of the Fund
NSITF did not leave it there, since his disability took away aptness to perform on the job he was doing prior to his accident, the Fund gave him another way to make a living.
Having received training as an auto diagnostic technician, Taiwo is optimistic about the future. “I now have a means of earning income. Modern cars often require computer diagnosis and most mechanics neither have the know-how nor the equipment to perform this. NSITF has given me both knowledge and equipment. The future is bright.”
The Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA 2010) established the ECS to provide just and adequate compensation for Nigerian workers who suffer: workplace injuries, occupational diseases, disabilities (temporary or permanent), or death arising out of the course of work.
Due to the efforts of the Oluwaseun Faleye-led Management team, Nigerians are now becoming increasingly aware of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme. However, not many are aware of the comprehensive rehabilitation programme as it was just onboarded mid 2025 by the new Management Team after almost one decade and a half of operating the ECA.
Work-related accidents, injuries, and diseases often leave the victim unable to continue working in their previous line. Compensations and medical treatment have their limits.
The goal of the rehabilitation programme is the restoration of productivity of workers who lost their ability to continue their work consequent upon work-related accidents, injuries, and diseases.
Mrs. Nkiru Ede-Ogunnaike, General Manager Claims and Compensation at the NSITF shed light on the operationalization of the rehabilitation programme.
According to her “Section 1(b) of the ECA 2010 mandates the Fund to provide rehabilitation to employees with work-related disabilities while Section 16(1) states that the Board may provide vocational rehabilitation, to get an injured employee back to work.”
Continuing, she explained that “The vocational rehabilitation programme is structured into three phases: orientation; vocational training, as well as empowerment and startup.”
“The phase one focuses on mindset reawakening, entrepreneurship, and psychological support, phase two provides practical hands-on training in a chosen vocation or skill while the third equips the beneficiary with start-up kits and empowerment for self-reliance.”
Ogunnaike listed some skills currently available under the rehabilitation programme to include: ICT and computer literacy, tailoring and fashion design, electrical works,
safety and health compliance, and auto-mechanics diagnostics.
Taiwo is not the only beneficiary of this NSITF Rehabilitation Programme. Fifty-six (56) other injured Nigerian workers have benefited from the programme since the Fund commenced running it July 2025.
Philip Anjour Terwase was trained in furniture making, Daniel Onah Imale, as an auto diagnostic engineer, and Nambour Ezekiel received training as a POS operator with all of them properly empowered and equipped to start their businesses.
Other beneficiaries of the programme include: Offor Kingsley Emeka, piggery; Emeka Okoro, foodstuff sales; Opara Lizzy, sales of hair attachment; Sani Mohammed, POS operator; and Ejeh Gabriel George, POS operator, amongst many others.
Another beneficiary, Kosoko who was trained and empowered to start a poultry, thanked NSITF Board and Management profusely. “This is a new lease of life for me. I didn’t know I would be on my feet again not to talk of owning my own poultry. I thought the compensations was all, but the new Management has helped me out. I thank them and hope they will continue to support us.”
Taiwo couldn’t hold back tears as he recollected a colleague who lost his hand to a cutting machine at work and now has to beg for his livelihood. He appreciated his boss, Hassan, for complying with the Employees’ Compensation Act.
Commenting further on the Rehabilitation Programme, Ogunnaike stated that the 57 beneficiaries were drawn from selected zones and promised that the programme would go national by the turn of 2026 to accommodate more beneficiaries.
The GM revealed that “adequate preparations have been made with over 800 employees of the Fund trained and ready to train,” adding that “beneficiaries of the programme are also trained to mentor new beneficiaries to create a multiplier effect.”
The programme has served to further create awareness on the Employees’ Compensation Scheme encouraging more employers to subscribe and provide social protection for their workers.
“I worked in a small scale enterprise and I have no pension. The rehabilitation programme of NSITF saved me from a life of shame and helped secure my children’s future,” Taiwo summed.
Since it’s commencement in the middle of this year, NSITF’s rehabilitation programme under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme has been a success story of restoration of hope and dignity for injured Nigerian workers and their dependents. It has continued to give new lease of life to people who otherwise would have faced a bleak future.
Besides, the humane programme has served as a promotional tool for the Employees’ Compensation Scheme of which it is a crucial component, perhaps, more than any other initiative. Furthermore, it reduces workers turnover for employees and boosts national productivity
Ulayi is a Principal Manager at NSITF
President Bola Tinubu early on Friday arrived in Lagos , after a two-day historic visit to the United Kingdom. He will join other Muslim faithful later in the day to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
According to Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, the President and his wife, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at 1.15 am.
He was received at the tarmac by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Hamzat, Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, wife of the governor, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and APC stalwarts.
As part of his Eid-el-Fitr programme in Lagos, the President will pray at the Eid prayer ground of the Dodan Barracks, on Friday morning.
In his Sallah message, the President enjoined Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month, which emphasises piety, empathy, and unity among humanity.
“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said.
Before his departure from London, Tinubu met with United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street, where the two countries agreed on a deal to refurbish two major ports in Lagos, worth £746m.
The President described his state visit to the United Kingdom, the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years, as “very thrilling and significant” in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
“We can not forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years,” the Nigerian leader said at Downing Street ahead of bilateral talks.
He noted that discussions covered trade, the economy, climate change, terrorism, and wider global challenges.
Tinubu and his wife were hosted by His Majesty, King Charles III, to a State Banquet, at Windsor Castle, where he said that Nigeria and the United Kingdom shared more than just history.
“Our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.’’
King Charles III and Queen Camilla earlier received the President and the First Lady at the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle. President Tinubu reviewed the guard of honor and was treated to a 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
By Saint Mugaga
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has congratulated Nigerian Muslims for the successful completion of Ramadan, saying their prayers and supplication are about to bring the country to a new dawn.
In his Sallah message as the Holy Month of Ramadan ends on Thursday, Abbas said Allah (SWT) has been merciful and gracious to Nigeria, especially in the wake of the country’s socio-economic, security, and political challenges.
He noted that divine intervention, through prayers, remains a major reason for the country’s unity, peace, and stability.
The Speaker urged Islamic adherents to continue to imbibe piety, selflessness, charity, and other virtues of Ramadan, stressing that Nigerians cannot afford to reduce their prayers for a better society and nation.
“Alhamdulillah, we have witnessed the Holy Month of Ramadan peacefully, and today, we are bidding a farewell to one of the most critical aspects of the life of every Muslim.
“As always, the month of Ramadan comes with numerous lessons. In the past 30 days, Muslims all over the country, and indeed across the globe, embarked on this spiritual journey through devotion. May Allah (SWT) accept all our acts of ibadah and reward us abundantly.
“Incidentally, our Christian brothers and sisters are also observing the Lent period concurrently with their Muslim counterparts. This is a divine arrangement for us to redouble our efforts in prayers and dedication to our Creator. It is also a reminder that we are one people united by a common good,” the Speaker said.
While wishing Muslims happy celebrations, Speaker Abbas prayed to Allah (Allah) to accept their prayers and worship in the Holy Month.
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
In order to protect people with disability in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said it has developed ‘The FCT Disability Policy Document”.
The Mandate,FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, stated this when she received the FCT chapter of the Joint National Association Of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), in her office.
She said the administration is committed to the welfare of PWD in Abuja, that is why the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, has approval the setting up of Disability Desk Unit in the Secretariat, headed by a PWD.
” You may wish to recall that the implementation of The Disability Act and Policy within the FCT is a collaboration with World Bank and signed by The Minister himself. The Women Affairs Secretariat is only there to coordinate the process”, She said
According to The Mandate Secretary, ” Nothing about you, without you”, is the slogan that motivated The Setting up of The Disability Desk an it is meant to be be institutionalised so that it will be replicated in every Secretariat, Department and Agency in FCT.
“The expectation is that in the near future there will be a an FCT Disability Agency, with the kind of approval from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike whose passion for inclusion is not in doubt by a number of policies that has been put in place since he came on Board.
“Aside the approval for The Disability Desk Officer in the Secretariat, The FCT Minister is the First in the history of Nigeria to approve that a day; December 10th of every year is set aside to celebrate and discuss the challenges of The Adolescent Girl Child”.
Benjamins-Laniyi further called on relevant partners and stakeholders to work towards removing barriers that hinder the full participation of People Living with Disabilities.
The Acting Chairman of JONAPWD, Ayoade Alase praised the FCT Administration for the deliberate effort and strong advocacy for the PWD Community, and The First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the recent empowerment of 250 PWDs with the sum of 200 Thousand naira each.
The Acting Chairman said that The ongoing developmental Strides of The FCT Administration is commendable and appealed for the urgent establishment of The proposed FCT Agency For Persons With Disabilities.
He said that 25 States in Nigeria have domesticated the Disability act, and in the North Central region, FCT remains the only entity yet to establish it’s own Agency.
Alase said other areas of priority for The Disability Community includes free health Insurance and Disability friendly Services in the Hospitals, Employment equity and Social protection and Empowerment.
Other areas are Operational support for JONAPWD FCT Chapter and Inclusion of Data and Infrastructure that will ensure that all Public Facilities are accessible to PWDs.
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