NSITF tasks construction firms to on employees scheme

The Acting Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ismail Agaka, has urged employers in the construction sector to extend the coverage of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) to all categories of their workers.

Agaka explained that the practice of including only permanent staff while excluding casual workers in the scheme is unfair as every employee is exposed to some level of risk at the workplace.

Speaking in his office when the Management of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC paid him a courtesy visit, Agaka also frowned at the sack of rehabilitated workers upon resumption of duty.

While urging construction companies to discontinue such inhuman practice, the NSITF helmsman described Julius Berger as one of the biggest employers of labour in Nigeria and also commended its management for partnering with NSITF to implement Scheme.

He also lauded the management of the construction giant for their high level of compliance to the scheme and assured that NSITF would continue to improve on its service delivery.

The NSITF boss further acknowledged the abiding relationship between the two organizations and expressed appreciation to the Management of Julius Berger for the letter of commendation it sent to the Fund recently, adding that such feedback was an indication that NSITF was doing well.

He called on employers of labour to emulate Julius Berger’s commitment by ensuring its workers are covered by the ECS and stressed that the Fund was open to suggestions that employers might have since the ECS was a stakeholders’ scheme.

Earlier in his remark, the Head, Corporate Affairs Department of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Nobert Kossmann had described the prompt processing and payment of claims by NSITF as very impressive, stating that the Fund had settled a lot of claims from Julius Berger.

He explained: “In terms of processes and implementation, this scheme rates first among others. I wish to acknowledge here that as soon as claims were presented to the NSITF, its staff are always very quickly swung into action and ensured prompt payment. We at Julius Berger appreciate this high level of professionalism from NSITF and hope that continues.”

According to Kossman, the effective processes and prompt payment of claims informed the letter of commendation which the Management of the construction company wrote earlier.

He stated that Julius Berger had enjoyed a good working relationship with NSITF over the years and expressed confidence that the relationship would continue to grow.