The newly appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, on Wednesday sought the support of the Lagos State government in complying with the agency’s scheme as related to employees and employer relationship.
While speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Faleye said the management of the agency was in the state on a two-day retreat to discuss how to collaborate with lawmakers in achieving its objectives.
Faleye was accompanied by the Chairmen, Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity,Senator Diket Plang and Adegboyega Adefarati, respectively, along with other lawmakers.
He told Governor Sanwo-Olu that the agency needs the support of the state government in complying with the laws guiding employees and employer relationship to serve as a model for other states to follow.
“We are here on a two-day retreat on how we can collaborate with lawmakers so they can better understand what we do and use their legislative influence to help us achieve our aims,” he said.
“NSITF was designed to formulate the employer scheme where we provide cash and non-cash support to injured or deceased workers arising from hazards from their work activities.
“We have been doing it robustly since 2012 and we want to continue doing it. We know Lagos State can give us critical support in what we are doing,” Faleye added.
Seeking the support of the Lagos State government, he further said: “We call for your support in making NSITF Requirement Certificate an integral part of your sub contractual document with third parties. The importance that it gives to workers and employees generally will also contribute to the progress of the state.
“Whenever workers are sick, the compensatory package gives succour to the employers and employees. We seek your support to ensure that Lagos State is in compliance with the law in compensation. The Act applies to both private and public sectors including the government .The acceptance of the scheme by Lagos State will send a strong signal for other states to follow.”
Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu charged the agency to be transparent and accountable, as well as render quality service for the benefit of the people.
He said although the state government had a robust insurance package in place for Lagos workforce, he assured of his administration willingness to harness the areas of collaboration with the NSITF to achieve its objectives as well as explore the benefits of the fund for workers and Lagosians.
On his part, Senator Diket Plang said lawmakers are committed to ensuring employers are protected when at work in case of hazards.
“As legislators, the NSITF is a product of the parliaments, and we have to find out how some MDAs are performing. Where there is a need to make changes, we make them increase productivity.
“As legislators, we have the responsibility to ensure that these constitutional responsibilities of the employees and employers are adhered to for the benefit of Nigerians as well as foster synergy between the legislative and executive arms of government,” he said.
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