NSITF Introduces Employee Compensation Scheme to Anambra Government

By Mary Obi

A delegation from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Awka branch recently paid a courtesy visit to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Anambra State, Professor Sylvia Chika Ifemeje, at her office in the Ministry of Justice, Awka.

The visit was intended to introduce the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) to the Attorney General and to discuss the critical importance of implementing the scheme for all civil servants in the state. The scheme is supported by the Employee’s Compensation Act (ECA), which provides the legal framework for its enforcement.

Leading the NSITF team, Head of the Legal Unit, Barrister Emeka Onunkwo, highlighted that the ECS offers a comprehensive and affordable range of compensation and benefits tailored to the needs of civil servants in Anambra State. He emphasized that the scheme, backed by the ECA statute, serves as an essential social security measure for employees.

Barrister Onunkwo provided further insight into the scheme’s history, noting that it was established in 2010 and became effective in July 2011, with its headquarters in Abuja. He explained that the scheme is specifically designed for government employees, ensuring that all civil servants, regardless of rank or position, are entitled to its benefits.

He detailed the welfare provisions under the scheme, which include the provision of prosthetic limbs for injured employees, coverage of hospital bills for work-related injuries, illnesses, or death, and coverage hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on working days. The scheme also supports the children of employees who die while in active service, offering educational assistance up to the age of 21 or higher education for surviving children, depending on the number of dependents.

Regarding employee obligations, Barrister Onunkwo explained that employees are expected to maintain dedication and commitment to their work. Notably, participation in the scheme does not require any financial contribution from employees; instead, the state governor, as the employer of all civil servants, makes a monthly contribution of one percent of the employees’ total payroll, hence the scheme’s name.

Other members of the NSITF team present at the meeting included Mr. Okechukwu Ndubuisi, Head of Unit; Mr. Ruben, Claims Unit; Dr. Ejike Mgbodu, Informal Economy; Ms. Izuogu Florence, Compliance Unit; and Mrs. Oguji Angela, Compliance Unit.

In response, Attorney General Professor Ifemeje warmly welcomed the NSITF delegation and expressed gratitude for their visit. She pledged to collaborate with the Head of Service, Lady Okwy Igwegbe, to draft a joint memorandum to the Governor advocating for the scheme’s implementation and assured her full support.
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