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By Tracy Moses
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, on Thursday met with Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State, to develop a concrete framework for achieving full compliance with the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) across the state.
The strategic session, held on February 26, 2026, at the Government House in Jalingo, centred on enhancing institutional partnership between NSITF and the Taraba State Government to broaden the reach and enforcement of the statutory workers’ protection programme.
During the meeting, Faleye underscored the importance of the ECS as a vital social protection mechanism that guarantees compensation and support to employees and their families in cases of work-related injury, disability, or death.
He noted that beyond being a statutory requirement, the Scheme reflects a government’s commitment to responsible leadership and worker welfare.
“The Employees’ Compensation Scheme goes beyond compliance; it speaks to the values of governance and social responsibility,” Faleye stated. “How a government responds when a worker suffers harm in service directly impacts public confidence and institutional trust.”
The NSITF chief emphasized the need for practical outcomes from the engagement, urging the state to scale up registration and compliance across its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as among contractors and private businesses operating within the state.
According to him, comprehensive compliance would safeguard workers’ rights, minimize litigation risks for employers, foster industrial peace, and reinforce the government’s reputation as a fair and responsible employer.
To fast-track implementation, Faleye proposed appointing a designated coordinating authority within the state government to work closely with NSITF. He also recommended setting up a joint technical committee to outline clear timelines, responsibilities, and deliverables.
“Our technical team is prepared to begin work immediately. In a matter of weeks, we can establish a practical roadmap that will position Taraba for full compliance,” he said.
In addition, Faleye suggested incorporating the ECS Compliance Certificate into the state’s procurement framework, making proof of NSITF compliance a prerequisite for companies bidding for government contracts.
“This is not about introducing new regulations but about strengthening enforcement of existing legal provisions,” he explained.
As part of the visit, Faleye decorated Governor Kefas as Ambassador and Advocate of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in Taraba and the Northeast, acknowledging his administration’s demonstrated commitment to workers’ welfare.
In his response, Governor Kefas welcomed the collaboration and reiterated his government’s determination to ensure full adherence to the Scheme.
“Taraba State remains committed to safeguarding its workforce. We will meet all obligations required under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme,” he affirmed.
The governor disclosed that the implementation process would be coordinated through the Office of the Head of Service, alongside the Ministries of Finance and Local Government, to guarantee seamless institutional cooperation.
Highlighting broader welfare initiatives, Kefas revealed that his administration has disbursed ₦5 billion to clear pension arrears owed to retirees in the state.
“We made a conscious decision to address outstanding pension liabilities. So far, ₦5 billion has been paid, and we are hopeful that all pending entitlements will be settled before the year runs out,” he said.
He further approved the establishment of a high-level committee to liaise with NSITF and drive the state toward full compliance within an agreed timeframe.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their resolve to maintain structured collaboration and accountability, signaling a major step toward strengthening social protection systems and institutional governance in Taraba State.