The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has presented compensation cheques to beneficiaries under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said the initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening social protection within the Federal Public Service.
Mrs Walson-Jack explained that the presentation, conducted in collaboration with the Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, provides tangible support to public servants affected by work-related injuries, occupational diseases, disabilities and other incidents arising in the course of official duties.
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She noted that the presentation of compensation cheques demonstrates that government’s commitment to workers’ welfare extends beyond policy pronouncements to practical support at the point of need.
Mrs Walson-Jack emphasised that compensation under the Scheme is a statutory entitlement rather than an act of charity and stressed that government has a responsibility to ensure that no public servant or family is left without support following workplace hazards.
While underscoring that compensation provides an important safety net for affected workers, she noted that prevention remains the first line of protection and urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure strict compliance with occupational health and safety standards across the Public Service.
The Head of Service commended the NSITF team for its commitment to translating the provisions of the Employees’ Compensation Act into tangible benefits for Federal Civil Servants.
Mrs Walson-Jack described the operationalisation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme for Federal Civil Servants as a landmark achievement in government’s efforts to strengthen social protection and place workers’ welfare at the centre of public service reform.
She also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained commitment to workers’ welfare under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Mrs Walson-Jack recalled that the OHCSF and NSITF recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding and inaugurated the Employees’ Compensation Scheme Help Desk to strengthen awareness, facilitate prompt reporting of workplace incidents and ensure timely processing of eligible claims.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSITF, described the occasion as a historic milestone, noting that it was the maiden presentation of compensation cheques to beneficiaries from Treasury-funded Ministries, Departments and Agencies under the Scheme.
Mr Faleye said the development represents a major step in the successful operationalisation of the Employees’ Compensation Act for Federal Civil Servants.
He reaffirmed NSITF’s commitment to strengthening workplace safety, simplifying claims administration and expanding access to compensation benefits across the Federal Public Service.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Dr Abdul Sule Usman Garba, described the Scheme as a critical component of the government’s broader social protection framework and an important mechanism for promoting workers’ welfare in the Public Service.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Joe Grace Danture expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, OHCSF and NSITF for what she described as a timely intervention.
Mrs Danture said the compensation provides relief, hope and reassurance to affected officers and their families.
The presentation marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010, for Federal Public Servants and reinforces the government’s commitment to building a safe, responsive, welfare-oriented and people-centred Federal Public Service.
