NSITF trains 5,769, inducts 1,846 staffers in 2018

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), trained 5,769 members of its staff in 2018, and inducted another 1,846 new staffers that were recruited between 2013 and 2018.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, Adebayo Somefun, who disclosed this in his New Year message to the staff, unveiled the commencement of an annual MD’s Excellence Award initiative to encourage innovation and dedication amongst the workers.

His words: “Staff welfare has been and will continue to be one of the cardinal focus of the Executive Management. Training and re-training of staff last year (2018), was pursued with vigour. Over 5,769 staff attended various training with some experiencing this for the first time since joining the Fund. Staff induction was carried out for 1,846 staffers that were employed between 2013 and 2018.”

Somefun lauded the staff for their dedication, which led to massive increment in the contribution base of the Fund in the out-gone year, while admonishing them to do more in 2019 and beyond.

“It is worthy of note that last year, the contribution drive of the Fund yielded tremendous result. Thanks to the collective effort of all of you and the Management. In spite of the challenges faced through the closure of some of our offices, the Fund still made remarkable progress in client registration and contribution collection. I must congratulate you all for your doggedness, resilience and excellent performances.

In view of that, the MD’s Excellence Award has been initiated to recognize all those who made outstanding contributions towards the success of the Fund last year,” he stated.

The NSITF chief also noted that the motion passed by House of Representatives in respect of enforcing compliance of the Employees’ Compensation Act (2010) would boost implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) and assist the much desired raising of contribution base to effectively meet the Fund’s statutory responsibilities.

While soliciting the cooperation of members of staff for members enthronement of transparency and accountability in the operation of the Fund’s activities, the NSITF helmsman submitted that every procurement process will always be advertised, formal bidding held and award made to the most competent, cost-friendly bidder, adding that the re-introduction and observance of due process is in line with the Federal Government’s stance on good governance.

Somefun hinted that the digitization of the Fund’s activities is still on going, saying, “the management will continue to strive to excel in the ease of business by digitalizing every area of our operations and administration as soon as possible through the EC4 project.”

He also stated that the management has fulfilled its promise on payment of pending furniture allowance up to 2015 staff set, adding that management will continue to make necessary payments on any outstanding allowances as the Fund’s financial position improves.

Somefun also pledged to improve the working environment of the Fund’s office around the country.

“The management worked tirelessly to ensure that furniture and fittings, work tools were procured and delivered to regions and branches. Plans are already in place to renovate our offices that are in terrible state of disrepair while some offices have been relocated to more conducive environment,” he said.

Somefun, who lauded the cooperation of the Executive Directors, said the management would continue to drive its drive its agenda that includes consolidating on the achievements of previous administrations and improving on them, raising the contribution base of the organization to effectively meet its statutory responsibilities, re-branding NSITF through aggressive campaign to improve acceptance and patronage by the various stakeholders and motivation of staff through improved staff welfare provision.