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.”

President Bola Tinubu has thrown his weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu and his running mate, Uche Ekwunife, ahead of the November 8, Anambra state election.

The President also charged the duo to ensure they deliver Anambra State to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, assuring them of unflinching support.

The President’s visit to Anambra state on May 8, was perceived by many as an endorsement for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s second term ambition against Ukachukwu, the party’s candidate.

But at a flag presentation ceremony in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu assured Ukachukwu and Ekwunife of his full support, declaring, “Go and get me Anambra.We will stand with you, come rain or shine.”

He praised Ekwunife’s selection as running mate, calling her a “round peg in a round hole,” and expressed confidence in the ticket’s chances.

The event was attended by top party figures, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Imo Gov. Hope Uzodinma, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.

The development that may have unsettled the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Gov.Chukwuma Soludo.

Despite Tinubu’s earlier praise of Soludo during a state visit, observers say the APC’s renewed momentum could reshape the political dynamics in the state.

While it is true that Reverend David Ayuba Azamman died on Saturday, details of the circumstances that led to the clergy man’s demise have been released.

Reverend Dr. Sam Magai Albert, the General Overseer of Kings Worship Chapel and Ministry Inc., Kaduna where the late Azamman served, said contrary to the news out in the public, the late pastor was the only person who died in the car accident that took his life

In a statement on Monday, Reverend Albert said the passing of Reverend Azamman “has left a painful void, not only in our church family but across the body of Christ in Nigeria,” adding that the church was constrained to give details of the death mainly because of “several circulating rumours and misrepresentations regarding the circumstances surrounding his transition.”

He said- “With a deeply grieving heart, I announce the call to eternal glory of my Assistant General Overseer, friend, brother, and fellow labourer in the vineyard of the Lord, Reverend David Ayuba Azamman. His passing has left a painful void, not only in our church family but across the body of Christ in Nigeria.

“In the wake of this tragic event, the Church and the Azamman family have received an overwhelming outpouring of concern, sympathy, and love from the public. We are truly grateful.

“However, we are also aware of several circulating rumours and misrepresentations regarding the circumstances surrounding his transition. It is, therefore, necessary to provide a factual and respectful account of what truly happened.

“Rev. Azamman had just concluded a powerful crusade in Makurdi. On Saturday, 24th May 2025 he set forth with his team to return home to Kaduna. He was not driving himself but was seated in the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

“Two other members of his ministry team were seated in the back.

“While returning to Kaduna via the Kachia-Kaduna Expressway, their vehicle approached the Idon axis in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. At approximately 1:00 p.m., a vehicle coming from the opposite direction swerved suddenly to avoid a pothole and rammed into the side of the car where Rev. Azamman was seated. The impact forced their vehicle off the road and into the bush, where it collided with a tree.

“The occupants were rushed to Idon Rural Hospital, where Dr. Uzomah Charles, the attending physician, later pronounced Rev. Azamman dead at 2:56 p.m. on the same day. According to the medical report, he sustained multiple fractures to his legs and other critical injuries.

“Even in the midst of excruciating pain, Rev. Azamman’s selflessness and pastoral spirit shone through. According to the surviving passengers, his foremost concern was not for himself, but for their wellbeing. Once he was assured they were safe, he broke into a soft rendition of the Hausa hymn, “Watarana, watarana…” — a solemn, hope-filled declaration of readiness to meet his Maker.

“As the medical team worked desperately to revive him, Rev. Azamman reportedly whispered, “Let me rest… I just want to rest,” before slipping peacefully into eternal sleep.

“The other passengers have since been treated and discharged.

“For me personally, I have lost more than a colleague.

“I have lost a younger brother, a dependable ally, a fearless preacher, and a relentless worker in the Lord’s vineyard. Rev. David Ayuba Azamman was one of the finest among us. He was full of fire, faith, compassion, and humility. He served with unwavering courage, dedication and contagious passion for souls. He was the best of the best.

“While our hearts are heavy, we take solace in the truth of Scripture: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15). We know without a shadow of doubt that Rev. Azamman now rests in the eternal embrace of Christ, whom he served so faithfully.

“Burial arrangements will be announced tomorrow, Tuesday, 27th May 2025. We covet your prayers for his wife, children, extended family, and our church during this period of deep sorrow. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”