by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Bako Lalong, along with Minister of State, Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, have paid a familiarization visit to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) in Abuja, in order to abreast themselves with update functions of the Fund.
During the visit to Headquarters of the NSITF in Abuja, its Managing Director/CEO, Maureen Allagoa, said the NSITF under her leadership has recorded various achievements in ensuring that the organization performs its statutory function of promptly addressing compensation to Nigerian workers.
She said although, there are challenges of compliance by contributors to the Fund, the organization has been able to greatly improve on synergy and collaboration towards ensuring that the NSITF delivers on its mandate.
She also explained that as a non-revenue generating organization, the NSITF has come up with many schemes aimed at enhancing its contributions to tackling social needs of Nigerian workers according to Nigerian and ILO protocols.
In his response, Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Bako Lalong, commended the DG and Management of the NSITF for putting in their best to deliver on the organization’s objectives.
He assured the management of the support and cooperation of the Ministry towards ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and his vision for Nigerian workers is delivered.
The Minister said already, he has received briefings from the Management on successes and challenges as well as internal and external complaints from within and outside the agency, which need to be addressed.
Some of the issues, he said, include irregular promotions, court cases, disharmony, alleged unfair practices, and insubordination, among others. All these he said will be thoroughly addressed in a fair and equitable manner.
Before the minister took a tour of the NSITF Headquarters, he disclosed that, a committee will be inaugurated to address all the complaints raised with a view to restoring confidence, harmony and productivity.