Unions Express Confidence in NSITF Leadership
Two major workers’ unions within the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) have shown strong support for the Managing Director, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, and his management team. They have stated that the Fund is currently undergoing a phase of reconstruction, re-engineering, and measurable progress under the current leadership.
In a joint letter addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammadu Dingyadi, the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) and the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE), highlighted the commitment of the management to transparency, accountability, and organisational renewal. The unions praised Dr. Dingyadi for promoting a more sustainable work environment, safeguarding decent work principles, and strengthening workers’ participation in national development. They noted that the Minister’s oversight has created a climate that enables the Fund’s leadership to undertake critical reforms.
The unions described Faleye’s leadership as focused and courageous, noting that his team has “embarked on reconstruction and re-engineering of the Fund to accomplish its strategic objectives” since taking office. According to the unions, the management has already delivered “significant and visible results” that reflect improved corporate efficiency and better utilisation of the Fund’s resources.
One of the most impactful decisions made by the management was the termination of the controversial digitalisation contract, known as E-NSITF, which had been opposed by workers since its inception. The unions argued that the project suffered from technical failings, lacked real value, and posed a continuous drain on public resources. By halting it, the management prevented further waste and aligned the Fund with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transparency and accountability agenda. They described the move as “a bold step in the right direction that deserves the support of all.”
Legislative Reforms and Workers’ Rights
The unions also welcomed the ongoing efforts to amend the NSITF Act 1993 and the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010, explaining that both laws have become outdated and riddled with ambiguities. They said the proposed amendments would empower the Fund, eliminate conflicting legal provisions, and strengthen the national safety-net architecture for workers harmed, disabled, or killed in the course of their duties.
They expressed optimism that once passed, the amendments would make the Fund more accessible and improve the delivery of its mandate to Nigerian workers. The unions also condemned what they called deliberate blackmail and misinformation targeted at Faleye’s management by individuals opposed to reform, describing such actions as attempts to “stagnate or reverse the Fund for personal gain.”
Calls for Continued Support
Calling on the Minister to disregard such smear campaigns, the unions urged him to continue supporting the management’s efforts, especially the discontinuation of the digitalisation contract and the legislative amendment process now before the National Assembly. They asked for deeper collaboration, stronger oversight, and sustained backing for what they described as sincere, bold steps to reposition the NSITF.
Key Points of the Unions’ Letter
- The unions have expressed confidence in the leadership of Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye.
- They highlighted the commitment of the management to transparency and organisational renewal.
- The termination of the E-NSITF digitalisation contract was seen as a significant and positive move.
- The unions supported the ongoing efforts to amend the NSITF and Employees’ Compensation Acts.
- They condemned misinformation and blackmail aimed at the management.
- The unions called for continued support from the Minister and the National Assembly.