The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has called on employers nationwide to prioritize workplace safety and health compliance, stressing that the decisions made today will determine the future of work in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Lagos Stakeholders’ Interactive Enlightenment Forum and Awards Ceremony—the kick-off of the NSITF-NECA Safe Workplace Intervention Project (SWIP) 2025—Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, NSITF Managing Director, emphasized the critical link between worker protection, productivity, and sustainable business growth.
“At the core of the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010 is a simple but profound truth: every worker matters. No job is worth a life, and no organization can sustainably thrive when safety is treated as an afterthought,” Faleye stated.
Compliance as a Strategic Advantage
Highlighting the theme of the program, “Enhancing Workplace Safety, Strengthening Compliance, Celebrating Excellence,” the NSITF MD stressed that safety compliance is not just a regulatory requirement—it is a strategic business decision. By safeguarding human capital, reducing operational risks, and enhancing organizational reputation, companies can achieve sustainable growth while protecting their workforce.
Faleye encouraged organizations yet to align fully with safety regulations to take advantage of SWIP to improve compliance and embed a culture of safety.
SWIP: A Platform for Collaboration and Excellence
He described SWIP as a strategic platform for awareness, compliance, and collaboration, bringing together employers, workers, regulators, and partners to share best practices and foster safer, more productive workplaces.
“Today’s gathering is not merely an information session; it is a shared commitment. Economic growth cannot come at the expense of worker safety. Productivity must be anchored on environments that protect lives, dignity, and livelihoods,” Faleye noted.
Celebrating Excellence in Occupational Safety
The forum also recognized organizations demonstrating outstanding commitment to occupational safety and health. According to Faleye, these awards are benchmarks, signaling that compliance is achievable and that safety adds tangible value to businesses.
“Excellence in worker protection deserves recognition. These awards set standards and inspire other organizations to prioritize safety,” he said.
Collaborative Support for Safer Workplaces
Faleye thanked the Ministry of Labour and Employment, NECA, participating organizations, and partners for supporting SWIP and reiterated NSITF’s commitment to deepening collaborations, strengthening compliance, and promoting a culture of safe workplaces.
Supporting the initiative, NECA Director-General, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, emphasized that workplace safety is a core responsibility of employers and expressed confidence that SWIP will reset the national conversation on occupational safety.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, in his keynote address, described SWIP as a collaborative occupational health and safety initiative designed to enhance safety nationwide through structured audits, stakeholder engagement, and recognition of best practices.
Driving a Culture of Safety for the Future
The 2025 SWIP kick-off in Lagos highlights a renewed focus on compliance, collaboration, and recognition in workplace safety, reinforcing that today’s choices in worker protection shape the future of productivity and sustainable growth across Nigeria.
