The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has disbursed a total of N75,840,194.73 under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) to three beneficiaries in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
The Managing Director of the Fund, Olúwaṣeun Faleye, presented the cheques during visits to organisations and beneficiaries in the state.
He stated that the disbursements reaffirmed the commitment of the management to delivering on the Fund’s mandate of providing social protection for Nigerian workers.
At Depthwize Nigeria Limited, the NSITF MD presented a cheque of N54,642,194.73 to the dependants of a deceased employee who tragically drowned following the collapse of a drilling rig on 15 August 2023.
While commiserating with the family, Faleye noted: “Nothing can replace the life lost, but we hope this payment brings some measure of comfort and support during this difficult time.”
He further disclosed that aside from the lump-sum payment, the family will receive monthly death benefits of N2,023,784.09 (representing 90 per cent of the deceased’s salary) until the last child turns 21 in 2042.
Speaking on behalf of Depthwize, Vice President of the firm, Orela Okulue, lauded the NSITF for its dedication to easing the burden on families of victims of workplace tragedies.
“You have made our work easy. The process was seamless, and we deeply appreciate the NSITF management team,” she said.In a visit to Daewoo Nigeria Limited, Faleye presented another cheque of N13,197,077.34 to an employee who suffered an automobile accident in March 2022, resulting in the amputation of his left leg.
The MD explained that the payment comprised a medical expense refund of N8,481,560 and a permanent disability benefit of N4,715,517.34.
Faleye added: “This cheque demonstrates our commitment to fulfilling our mandate. The beneficiary will continue to receive monthly payments until he turns 55 in 2033.”
Responding, Daewoo’s General Manager, Akabo Clement Abrakasa, described the NSITF as a “critical stakeholder,” adding that the visit showed the Fund’s dedication to supporting injured workers and bereaved families.
The final presentation saw an NSITF staff member receiving N8,001,095.64 following a workplace accident that resulted in the dislocation of his right knee.
The NSITF boss, who empathised with the injured employee, said: “Workplace accidents are unpredictable. We appreciate your resilience, and we are committed to supporting you through this period.”
The beneficiary expressed heartfelt gratitude, commending the MD for “making NSITF come alive again”.
Faleye noted that delays in processing compensation claims often stem from late filing, investigations, and verification processes, but assured the public that the Fund is improving turnaround time as part of reforms to achieve international social protection standards.
