NSITF pays N10m to EKEDC for injury claim

To foster a healthy national workforce and manage contributions from both public and private employers, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has given a cheque of N10,588,181.33 to Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) as a Medical Expenses Refund (MER) of an injury case in the company.

An employee of EKEDC, Afolabi Mudasiru, who had filed an application claim in April 2024, had an accident at his workplace in July 2022, which was described as a fall from height accident.

NSITF managing Director, Oluwaseun Mayomi stated that the MER was one of the core mandates of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme as enshrined in the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA), 2010.

Mayomi, who was represented by the acting Regional Manager, Agboma Okoroafor, noted that the refund was a testament to NSITF’s commitment to workers’ welfare, especially in cases of employees, who suffer injury in the course of work.

He commended EKEDC Plc Management for their tireless efforts in ensuring compliance with the provisions of the ECA, 2010 by their regular and timely payment of contributions.

“Your dedication is not only inspiring but has been noted by our Management.
“This cheque, therefore, represents more than just a refund, it is a demonstration of our obligations to our mandate. It also symbolises our shared values and collective desire to make a difference in the life of the employee.

“Please accept this cheque presented today as a symbol of our commitment to prompt payment of claims and compensation.

“Be rest assured of the dedication of the Management of NSITF to meet its obligations to both employers and employees who key into the Employees’ Compensation Scheme,” he stated.

But EKEDC Chief Human Resources Officer Alenkhe Aik, while applauding NSITF, said the company filed for N32,000,000 claims and asked NSITF for the shortfall of the N32 million reimbursements.

“They should also be letting us know the compensation side in terms of disability benefits as stipulated by the ECA 2010,” Aik said.

He added that EKEDC is faithful to its obligation and has consistently made its statutory contribution to the NSITF, which is one per cent of the monthly payroll as stipulated by the ECA in 2010.

“Unfortunately, this happened but then the good news is that the ECA of 2010 caters for reimbursement to the company and also compensation in terms of disability benefits and all that to the victim of that accident. This MER is only one leg of it because I will be expecting NSITF to also let us know what they are going to do about compensation to the unfortunate victim of this accident, who, unfortunately, is also our staff member,” Aik queried.