The Taraba State Government has disbursed N5 billion to pensioners and initiated full adoption of the Employees Compensation Scheme in partnership with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, marking a significant step toward strengthening workers welfare and social protection.
This development followed a strategic visit to Jalingo by Oluwaseun Faleye, who held talks with Governor Agbu Kefas at the Government House. The meeting focused on expanding the implementation of the Employees Compensation Scheme across the state.
Faleye described the initiative as part of a broader effort to build strong institutional partnerships with state governments committed to protecting workers and ensuring long term sustainability. He emphasized that the scheme is more than a legal requirement, describing it as a vital social safety net that guarantees dignity for workers and ility for employers.
He noted that when workers suffer injury disability or death in the course of duty, the government’s response plays a crucial role in building public trust. To ensure effective implementation, Faleye proposed expanding compliance across Ministries Departments and Agencies, increasing awareness among employers and contractors, and strengthening workplace safety systems.
A key recommendation included integrating the Employees Compensation Scheme compliance certificate into Taraba’s procurement processes. This would require contractors and businesses seeking government jobs to demonstrate compliance with the scheme before bidding or registration.
Faleye also announced the creation of a joint technical team between the state and the Fund to develop a clear implementation roadmap. In recognition of his support, Governor Kefas was named an ambassador for the scheme in Taraba and the Northeast region.
In response, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers welfare, stating that the state aims to clear all outstanding pension liabilities before the end of the year while ensuring full enrollment of workers into the scheme.
Leave a comment