The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) is helping to restore dignity, confidence and hope to Nigerian workers who suffer injuries in the course of their duties, according to the Managing Director, Oluwaseun Faleye. He spoke in Abuja during the presentation of prosthetic limbs to 10 beneficiaries under the Employees' Compensation Scheme (ECS).
Commitment to Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Faleye, represented by the General Manager of Claims and Compensation, Nkiru Ogunnike, described the intervention as part of the Fund's broader commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration of injured workers into society. He noted that workplace accidents often leave victims with not only physical injuries but also emotional trauma, uncertainty and social isolation.
The Employees' Compensation Scheme goes beyond statutory compensation by providing humane support to help injured workers rebuild their lives and regain independence. “For many Nigerian workers, a single workplace incident can permanently alter the course of their lives,” Faleye said, adding that the intervention of the NSITF provides victims with a second chance.
Stories of Beneficiaries
Faleye cited the experiences of two beneficiaries, Daniel Etim and Festus Okpara, as examples of the scheme's impact. Daniel, a staff member of the University of Uyo Printing Press, lost his arm in May 2024 after it became trapped in an industrial machine during a routine workday, resulting in amputation.
Through the intervention of the NSITF, Daniel received full medical support under the scheme, including payment of treatment expenses and the provision of a prosthetic arm. “Beyond the payment of medical bills, the Fund extended further rehabilitative support by providing him with a prosthetic arm, reaffirming its commitment not only to compensation but also to restoring dignity, confidence and functionality to injured workers,” Faleye said.
Festus Okpara's Journey
Faleye also recounted the story of Festus Okpara, whose workplace accident occurred in 2015 and resulted in the loss of his hand. Beyond the physical injury, Festus endured years of emotional distress caused by public reactions and social stigma associated with his condition. The Fund provided Festus with a silicone prosthetic hand to help him regain confidence and reintegrate socially.
“NSITF provided Festus with a silicone prosthetic hand, helping him regain not only physical confidence but also a renewed sense of inclusion and self-worth,” Faleye stated. He stressed that the interventions highlight an often-overlooked dimension of workplace injuries: the psychological and emotional scars that persist long after physical wounds may have healed.
Critical Safety Net for Workers
Faleye maintained that the Employees' Compensation Scheme remains a critical safety net for Nigerian workers in both the public and private sectors. Reflecting on his experience, Festus expressed appreciation to the NSITF for helping to ease the trauma associated with his condition. “I thank NSITF for coming all this way to help. At least with this, I can go out in public and feel free. NSITF has reduced the level of trauma,” he said.
The 10 beneficiaries are among 78 workers recently fitted with artificial limbs under the ongoing rehabilitation and reintegration programme of the NSITF.
