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FG makes NSITF’s ECS compulsory for public employees
The federal government has made it compulsory for all ministries, departments and agencies, to enroll public workers in the Employee’s Compensation Scheme, ESC.
The government’s directive came as the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, plans to commence service-wide sensitization of civil servants to ensure a seamless implementation of ECS in the federal civil service.
A statement by NSITF said these were part of the fallouts of its Managing Director, Oluwaseun Faleye-led management meeting with the Head of the Civil Service, HoCSF, Mrs. Esther Walson-Jack, in Abuja.
Mrs. Walson-Jack has also pledged full support to NSITF in ensuring that all public workers benefit from the ECS by partnering with the fund as it undertakes the sensitization campaign across the service.
Speaking, Mr. Faleye lauded the Head of Service’s welfare-centered initiatives and noted that the opportunity to serve on the Head of Service’s Committee for the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025 (FCSSIP2025) strengthened his resolve to ensure the implementation of the ECS in the federal civil service.
He pointed out that while other committee members focused on housing, health, and related matters, the NSITF remained committed to its core mandate — working to overcome the challenges hindering the service-wide implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, with the ultimate goal of enhancing social protection for federal civil servants.
Mr. Faleye said: “What was key for us during the strategy sessions under FCSSIP2025 was how to sustainably implement and expand existing initiatives that had yet to be fully executed, ensuring that these welfare programs truly benefit workers in terms of their well-being and social security.
“For us, it was essential to ensure that our core mandates were reflected in these discussions. We committed to doing everything within our sphere of influence to make those initiatives a reality.”
He noted that the NSITF would continue to take every necessary step to remove the barriers identified as hindering the implementation and functionality of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in the federal civil service.
Faleye commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the payment of all Federal Government obligations under the scheme.
According to the NSITF Managing Director: “The Employees’ Compensation Scheme is enabled by law and mandates us to pay claims and compensation to Nigerian workers for injuries, disabilities, death, or diseases that arise in the course of work. It is essentially a work-related social insurance programme, and we are at the forefront of its implementation.
Considering the size of the federal civil service, there is no better platform to positively impact workers’ welfare than this core structure. That is why it’s crucial to ensure the scheme is fully operational at the federal level, including all relevant MDAs.
“We have made some progress, particularly in terms of fulfilling the financial obligations. We are in ongoing discussions with the Ministries of Budget and Finance to ensure prompt payment of Federal Government liabilities so that we can provide these essential services to civil servants, in keeping with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to stand by those serving the nation.
“Some payments have already been made, while others are still outstanding. We will keep working on this. However, we now believe it is time to undertake a comprehensive stakeholder engagement — especially with the civil servants who will be the direct beneficiaries of this vital welfare Scheme.
“Given the uniqueness of what we are offering, it is now imperative to launch a sustained sensitization campaign to educate workers about the scheme’s benefits and the claims process.
“That is why we are here — to kick-start that process. We are engaging with the Staff Welfare Office under the Head of Service to determine the modalities for the upcoming stakeholder engagement, and we are optimistic about receiving your guidance and support.”
Responding, Mrs. Walson-Jack said: “The Managing Director has outlined a very robust vision — one that I embraced the very first time we met. The Employees’ Compensation Scheme, as enshrined in the Employees’ Compensation Act, has long awaited a strong push to become fully integrated into our service-wide welfare offerings.
“I recall that in 2017 when I served as the permanent secretary of the staff welfare office, discussions around the scheme began, although it was not yet operational. I am delighted that we have now reached this milestone — where we are ready to sensitize civil servants as we commence implementation. I especially thank the Managing Director of the NSITF and his team for all the hard work that brought us to this point.
“I assure you that this office, through the Service Welfare Office, will provide full support and work closely with you to ensure the scheme is launched in 2025 and sustained thereafter.
“Let me also take this opportunity to thank our very worker-friendly President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for bringing us this far. This is another feather in the cap of the administration’s welfare initiatives. Just a few weeks ago, the Federal Executive Council approved the Group Life Assurance Scheme, and now we are here discussing the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.
“This office remains deeply committed to the welfare of civil servants. That is why we have launched several initiatives — starting with the new minimum wage and the consequential salary adjustments. The wage award followed, and although it experienced delays, I am pleased to report that, as of yesterday, the arrears have started being paid.”
Elon Musk’s wealth has again topped US$1 trillion as stocks of his companies SpaceX and Tesla surged.
Forbes estimated the world’s richest man’s net worth at $1 trillion on Monday, an increase of $30.6 billion from Friday last week, the last stock market trading day.
The gain reinforces Musk’s position as the world’s wealthiest person, far ahead of Bezos, who ranks second with a fortune of $371.5 billion. Google co-founder Larry Page followed with $284.3 billion, while Dell Technologies chairman Michael Dell ranked fourth with $272.2 billion.
`Musk became the world’s first trillionaire in June as SpaceX shares soared following its record-breaking initial public offering, but soon lost that status when the stock fell amid concerns about the company’s lofty valuation, according to Bloomberg.
His fortune has approached the trillion-dollar threshold again in recent days as both companies’ shares rallied. Tesla’s third-quarter deliveries exceeded analysts’ expectations last week, helping increase Musk’s wealth by $61 billion on Friday alone.
The Dangote Group has reaffirmed the critical role of domestic production in strengthening Nigeria’s economic resilience.
The Group stated this weekend through its Group General Manager, Mr. Abdullahi Bello Danmusa, who represented the Regional Director/Senior Adviser to the Dangote Group President/CE, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, at the Dangote Special Day at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s Trade Fair, “Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy,” Mr. Danmusa said taxation remains a fundamental component of national development, stressing that Dangote Group takes its tax obligations seriously and contributes substantial revenues to government annually, while also supporting employment, enterprise and value creation across its operations.
He said trade could achieve greater economic impact when it is supported by strong domestic productive capacity.
“Trade becomes more meaningful when it is supported by production. No country can build lasting resilience by depending excessively on imports that it has the capacity to produce competitively at home.
“This is why Dangote Group continues to invest in manufacturing and industrial capacity across cement, sugar, salt and seasoning, packaging, fertiliser, petrochemicals and petroleum refining.
“The theme of this year’s Trade Fair, ‘Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy,’ speaks directly to the realities of our time.
“Nigeria’s economic resilience will ultimately depend on a fundamental choice: to continue to import what we can produce, or build the capacity to produce, compete and export.”
Danmusa noted that strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity would help deepen economic activity, create jobs, support local enterprises and reduce excessive dependence on imported products.
He added that the Group’s investments across various sectors reflect its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation and contributing to the development of a more productive and resilient economy.
Also speaking at the Dangote Special Day, the First Deputy President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Prof. Adebisi Adesugba, commended Dangote Industries for its contribution to Nigeria’s economic development.
Adesugba, who represented the President of ACCI, Emeka Obegolu, SAN, said the longstanding partnership between Dangote and the Chamber demonstrates the important
He noted that Dangote’s strategic investments in sectors including cement, fertiliser, agriculture, refining and petrochemicals have contributed to strengthening domestic productive capacity, creating employment opportunities, reducing dependence on imports and supporting foreign exchange generation.
“ACCI recognises Dangote not only as an exhibitor and sponsor, but also as a strategic partner.”
He said the partnership between ACCI and Dangote has contributed to creating opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs while supporting trade, investment and sustainable economic development.
Adesugba further expressed the Chamber’s appreciation for Dangote’s longstanding relationship and partnership with ACCI, describing the collaboration as an important platform for strengthening the business community and advancing economic opportunities.
The Dangote Special Day brought together business leaders, government representatives, investors, exhibitors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders as part of activities at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair.
Also speaking at the Dangote Special Day, the First Deputy President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Prof. Adebisi Adesugba, commended Dangote Industries for its contribution to Nigeria’s economic development.
Adesugba, who represented the President of ACCI, Emeka Obegolu, SAN, said the longstanding partnership between Dangote and the Chamber demonstrates the important role of responsible corporate participation in promoting commerce, investment and entrepreneurship in Nigeria and across the African sub-region.
He noted that Dangote’s strategic investments in sectors including cement, fertiliser, agriculture, refining and petrochemicals have contributed to strengthening domestic productive capacity, creating employment opportunities, reducing dependence on imports and supporting foreign exchange generation.
“ACCI recognises Dangote not only as an exhibitor and sponsor, but also as a strategic partner.”
He said the partnership between ACCI and Dangote has contributed to creating opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs while supporting trade, investment and sustainable economic development.
Adesugba further expressed the Chamber’s appreciation for Dangote’s longstanding relationship and partnership with ACCI, describing the collaboration as an important platform for strengthening the business community and advancing economic opportunities.
The Dangote Special Day brought together business leaders, government representatives, investors, exhibitors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders as part of activities at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair.
The event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to engage on issues around taxation, trade, industrialisation, investment, domestic production and the broader prospects for Nigeria’s economic development.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to provide operational leadership and strengthen ongoing efforts to rescue the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road at Umunoha on October 1, 2026.
Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed in a statement on Friday that DIG Nadada arrived Imo State alongside two Commissioners of Police and immediately carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation and the search-and-rescue operations being coordinated by the Imo State Police Command.
During the visit, the DIG reviewed operational strategies, personnel deployments, and the utilization of security assets. He also issued fresh directives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the coordinated rescue mission.
The assessment was conducted in the company of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso; the Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force, CP Nendel Joseph Gomwalk; other service commanders; and members of the Imo State Police Command management team.
According to Iniedu, the police have intensified the search operation, deploying additional tactical teams and operational resources to identified locations.
He said the operation was being reinforced through intelligence-led efforts to track the abductors, alongside coordinated operations with other security agencies.
Nadada, according to the statement, assured members of the public that the police would continue working to secure the safe release of those abducted.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to securing the safe rescue of the 20 abducted persons and will sustain the operation until the mission is successfully concluded,” Iniedu quoted Nadada as saying.
The DIG appealed to members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant, while urging anyone with credible information that could assist the rescue operation to report to the police or the nearest security formation.
“All information received will be treated with strict confidentiality,” he said.
The police said further information on the rescue operation would be made available as developments unfold.
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