The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, has warned that technological progress must not leave workers economically active but inadequately protected.
Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Fund, Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, said technological advancements, artificial intelligence, automation, remote work and the growing gig economy are changing employment patterns and creating new challenges for workers’ protection.
He spoke on Friday in Lagos at the annual workshop of the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria, LAWAN, themed “Workers at the Centre of Nigeria’s Political Transition: Defending Rights, Advancing Welfare and Building Economic Justice.”
Faleye queried how social security could be extended to digital-platform workers and those operating outside traditional employment arrangements.
Represented by the Deputy General Manager and Head of Corporate Affairs, Alexerdra Mede, the NSITF boss said it was imperative to ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of workers’ safety and security.
In a paper titled “Social Security and Workers’ Welfare in Nigeria’s Political Transition: Closing the Protection Gaps and Building a Sustainable Safety Net,” Faleye said social security should be considered as an investment in human dignity, social stability and economic resilience, not merely as an administrative mechanism.
He emphasised that social security is about creating a system that provides protection when people face circumstances beyond their immediate control.
He said such protection must cover workers facing occupational injuries, disabilities and other circumstances that threaten their livelihoods.
“When we discuss social security, we sometimes become preoccupied with institutions, regulations, contributions and statistics. But at its heart, social security is about people,” he said.
He lauded LAWAN for sustaining a platform for dialogue on issues affecting Nigerian workers.
Faleye reasoned that closing protection gaps required improved awareness, employer compliance, accessible services, reliable data, efficient institutions and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
He described the Employees’ Compensation Scheme administered by NSITF as an important instrument for protecting employees against work-related injuries, disabilities and occupational risks.
He said the Scheme represents a social compact between workplace, employer, worker and wider society.
He explained that its effectiveness depends significantly on awareness and compliance by employers, who must understand their responsibilities under the scheme.
He advocated the need for concerted efforts by government, labour, employers, media and development partners to build a sustainable safety net that ensures Nigerian workers and their families are protected against economic and social risks, especially during the country’s political transition.
The labour journalists honoured Faleye with the Champion of Workers’ Social Security and Safety Award in recognition of his leadership in advancing workers’ social security and safety.