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NUBIFIE commends NSITF for expanding ECS to Fintech, Agency Banking
Photo caption: A cross section of participants at the sensitization workshop for stakeholders in agency banking and FINTECH organised by the NSITF at the Islamic Forum of Nigeria Conference Hall, Kano.
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has been commended for taking proactive steps to expand the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, ECS to the Agency Banking and Fintech industries.
The National President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE) Comrade Anthony Abakpa made the commendation in Kano while speaking at a sensitization workshop for stakeholders in the Agency Banking and Fintech industries organized by the NSITF over the weekend in the ancient commercial city.
According to the union leader, a growing collaboration between the NSITF and stakeholders in the mobile money and FINTECH industry will not only provide a networking platform but also a safer and supportive financial service environment for employees across Nigeria. He described the ECS as one of the nine contingencies making up the social security programmes enunciated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), equally observing that though the NSITF has made remarkable progress in implementing the scheme across the years, the foray into the Fintech industry was strategic and came at the nick of time. He therefore urged participants who thronged the Islamic Forum of Nigeria Conference Hall, Kano, to embrace the scheme.
He further stated that for a seamless implementation of the ECS in the fast growing Fintech and agency banking sector, the NSITF must also brace up with the digitization of its processes and procedures.
According to him, “To get the informal sector employees and employers especially the fintech industry, to register with the Fund, the NSITF must utilize digital platforms (Digital onboarding) and tools to simplify the registration process for informal sector employers. This can include online registration portals and mobile(apps) applications that make it easy for employers to register and manage the contributions.”
He suggested “the development of tailored solutions that
address the specific needs and challenges of the fintech industry, which include flexible contribution plans, customized communication, and support services that cater to the unique characteristics of fintech businesses.
“Inclusive Policies and Programs—Implement inclusive policies and programs that encourage the participation of informal sector employers. This can involve providing incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, or grants to employers who register with the Fund.
“Financial Cooperatives—Promote the formation of financial cooperatives among informal sector employers, mutual support, making it easier for members to comply with the Fund’s requirements.
“Fostering coordination and collaboration between NSITF and other relevant stakeholders such as Sectoral Unions, industry associations, government agencies, and financial institutions. This can help create a supportive ecosystem that encourages registration and compliance.”
He also stated that the ultimate measure of the NSITF’s effectiveness lies in its ability to disburse benefits to eligible beneficiaries in a timely and efficient manner. While affirming that the NSITF has successfully provided compensation to many workers, “cases of delays, bureaucratic red tape, as well as inadequate communication have impeded the process, leading to dissatisfaction. He, however, expressed happiness that the new management of the Fund was already addressing the situation.
Earlier while presenting the keynote address to the gathering, the Managing Director of the NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye who was represented by the General Manager, Informal Sector Department of the agency, Chika Onyewuchi said the programme synched with the cardinal agenda of the new administration of the Fund to develop peculiar programmes that can break new grounds in the informal sector which hosts the majority of Nigeria’s active work life. She asserted that the bold initiative of the NSITF was in furtherance of its contributions to financial inclusion.
The NSITF boss said that-“By providing safer , more secure environment for agents , ECA 2010 indirectly supports Nigeria’s financial inclusion goals. The protection it offers can encourage more people to become agents in the Fintech and help banking providers expend their reach to the underserved areas in the remote parts of the nation.
“With the ECS, agency banking becomes a more attractive career option, capable of attracting skilled workers, assured that they will be covered in case of work related accidents, injury or health issues. This assists financial institutions draw a stable workforce of competent agents.
According to Nwachukwu Godson, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, in a statement sent to Nationwide Reports, Faleye, while discussing the numerous benefits of the scheme to the industries’ stakeholders, said, “Many banking agents travel frequently to provide services to customers in various locations. The ECS covers commuting accidents, ensuring that agents who experience accidents while travelling to or from their service locations receive compensation and support.
“By enrolling in the ECS agency banking providers can reduce their legal liability related to workplace accidents and illnesses. The scheme allows employers to transfer risk to the NSITF, which handles compensation claims and payouts, thereby saving banks and agents from potential legal battles and associated costs.”
He argued that to mitigate financial vulnerability, low productivity and bridge the gap between the formal and informal sector, the ECS which narrows inequality through social protection must be embraced by all players in the informal sector.
Other stakeholders at the event included the Kano State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Anwali Yaksse, General Secretary NUBIFIE, Mohammed Sheik, Chairman of AMBO, Odetunde Lukman and AMON President, Salihu Umar as well as representatives from the Agent Banking and FINTECH including Zenith Bank, Fidelity, ECO, GTB, Moniepoint as well as Point of Sales Operators among others.
….Writes NMDPRA, Engages Marketers to Stabilise Fuel Market
Photo caption: L R: Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Vishwajit Sinha; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird; President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to supply one billion five hundred million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) monthly to the Nigerian market in December 2025 and January 2026, a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted nationwide fuel availability through the festive season and into the New Year.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, disclosed the plans at the weekend, noting that the refinery will make available 50 million litres of PMS daily beginning December 1.
“In line with our commitment to national wellbeing, and consistent with our track record of ensuring a holiday season free of fuel scarcity, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian market this month. This represents 50 million litres per day. We are formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment. We will supply another 1.5 billion litres in January and increase to 1.7 billion litres in February, which translates to about 60 million litres per day,” Dangote said.
Photo caption: L R: President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Speaking during a visit by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser complex, he stated that the facility currently has adequate stock and is producing between 40 and 45 million litres of PMS daily. He added that the daily supply of 50 million litres should dispel long-standing claims that domestic refineries lack the capacity to meet national demand.
Dangote also revealed ongoing engagement with petroleum marketers to strengthen distribution systems, including expanding the use of CNG-powered haulage.
“Our priority is to ensure Nigeria receives the products it needs. This is not driven by profit motives; it is about guaranteeing the availability of essential energy products. It is similar to the transformation we delivered in the cement sector,” he added.
He further noted that the refinery is progressing with its expansion plan to reach a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. More than 100,000 workers are expected to be involved in the expansion of both the refinery and the fertiliser complex. Dangote emphasised that the Group remains committed to its vision, driven by the strong public support for the company’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic development.
During the visit, the Managing Director of SSDC, Usoro Offiong Akpabio, commended Dangote’s leadership and his continued contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capability, national energy security and long-term economic competitiveness.
She described the South-South region as Nigeria’s natural energy corridor, with vast crude oil reserves, gas infrastructure, maritime assets, agro-industrial activity and emerging industrial clusters. She noted that deeper collaboration between the region and the Dangote Group could unlock opportunities in product distribution, CNG infrastructure, petrochemicals, agriculture, and employment creation.
Akpabio added that such partnerships would advance the Federal Government’s energy stability agenda and position the South-South as a strategic growth hub for the Dangote Group.
“As the statutory development body for the South-South, SSDC is mandated to drive regional economic development, infrastructure integration, human capital advancement, and private-sector–led growth. In this regard, we stand prepared to support State-level policy and regulatory support for Ease-of-doing-business across our six states. Enabling environments for Dangote Group’s expansion into strategic sectors such as gas processing, agro-industrial value chains, renewable energy, logistics, and export-oriented manufacturing,” she said.
In a letter from the refinery’s Managing Director, David Bird, to the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, the company reaffirmed its readiness to host NMDPRA officials onsite at the refinery from December 1st to verify and publish its daily supply volumes. The refinery also sought the Authority’s support to ensure unhindered importation of crude, feedstocks and blending components, as well as smooth vessel loading for product evacuation.
“In the spirit of full transparency to the public we are willing to publish our daily production and stock volumes (online and print media),” Bird stated. “We seek the full support of NMDPRA to allow Dangote refinery to import our crude, feedstocks and blending components unhindered as well as support the lifting of our products by vessel. We continue to experience delays in vessel clearance which impacts not only the refinery operations but also our customers, adding unnecessary costs and inefficiencies”.
By Bonaventure Phillips Melah
Photo caption: L R: Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Vishwajit Sinha; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird; President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to supply one billion five hundred million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) monthly to the Nigerian market in December 2025 and January 2026, a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted nationwide fuel availability through the festive season and into the New Year.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, disclosed the plans at the weekend, noting that the refinery will make available 50 million litres of PMS daily beginning December 1.
“In line with our commitment to national wellbeing, and consistent with our track record of ensuring a holiday season free of fuel scarcity, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian market this month. This represents 50 million litres per day. We are formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment. We will supply another 1.5 billion litres in January and increase to 1.7 billion litres in February, which translates to about 60 million litres per day,” Dangote said.
Photo caption: LR: President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Speaking during a visit by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser complex, he stated that the facility currently has adequate stock and is producing between 40 and 45 million litres of PMS daily. He added that the daily supply of 50 million litres should dispel long-standing claims that domestic refineries lack the capacity to meet national demand.
Dangote also revealed ongoing engagement with petroleum marketers to strengthen distribution systems, including expanding the use of CNG-powered haulage.
“Our priority is to ensure Nigeria receives the products it needs. This is not driven by profit motives; it is about guaranteeing the availability of essential energy products. It is similar to the transformation we delivered in the cement sector,” he added.
He further noted that the refinery is progressing with its expansion plan to reach a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. More than 100,000 workers are expected to be involved in the expansion of both the refinery and the fertiliser complex. Dangote emphasised that the Group remains committed to its vision, driven by the strong public support for the company’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic development.
During the visit, the Managing Director of SSDC, Usoro Offiong Akpabio, commended Dangote’s leadership and his continued contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capability, national energy security and long-term economic competitiveness.
She described the South-South region as Nigeria’s natural energy corridor, with vast crude oil reserves, gas infrastructure, maritime assets, agro-industrial activity and emerging industrial clusters. She noted that deeper collaboration between the region and the Dangote Group could unlock opportunities in product distribution, CNG infrastructure, petrochemicals, agriculture, and employment creation.
Akpabio added that such partnerships would advance the Federal Government’s energy stability agenda and position the South-South as a strategic growth hub for the Dangote Group.
“As the statutory development body for the South-South, SSDC is mandated to drive regional economic development, infrastructure integration, human capital advancement, and private-sector–led growth. In this regard, we stand prepared to support State-level policy and regulatory support for Ease-of-doing-business across our six states. Enabling environments for Dangote Group’s expansion into strategic sectors such as gas processing, agro-industrial value chains, renewable energy, logistics, and export-oriented manufacturing,” she said.
In a letter from the refinery’s Managing Director, David Bird, to the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, the company reaffirmed its readiness to host NMDPRA officials onsite at the refinery from December 1st to verify and publish its daily supply volumes. The refinery also sought the Authority’s support to ensure unhindered importation of crude, feedstocks and blending components, as well as smooth vessel loading for product evacuation.
“In the spirit of full transparency to the public we are willing to publish our daily production and stock volumes (online and print media),” Bird stated. “We seek the full support of NMDPRA to allow Dangote refinery to import our crude, feedstocks and blending components unhindered as well as support the lifting of our products by vessel. We continue to experience delays in vessel clearance which impacts not only the refinery operations but also our customers, adding unnecessary costs and inefficiencies”.
Some women in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Saturday, staged a protest over the alleged kidnap of five residents and the shooting of another during an attack on the community.
The protesters, who marched through major parts of the community, said the incident had heightened fear and insecurity in the area.
One victim of the attack is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
A social media influencer, ‘Sen.’ Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, made this known via Facebook on Saturday.
Ugwuanyi revealed that resident who confirmed the incident said recent cases of abductions and shootings had left the community unsafe, prompting the women to demand urgent government intervention.
In a video shared on Ugwuanyi’s Facebook page, the protesters called on the Enugu State Government and security agencies to step in and restore peace, warning that residents could no longer live under constant fear of attacks.
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