OPINION
Okpebholo: 100 Days of Innovation, Restoration, Healing, Justice

By Fred Itua
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) is explicit in stating the primary duty of government. In Chapter 2, Section 14(2)(b), it states thus; “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.
Hence, there is no argument that security comes first before welfare because the latter cannot exist without the former. It is this clear understanding of his mandate that made His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo to immediately take steps to secure the peace on assumption of office.
On assumption on November 12, 2024, the man who had excelled as a senator before becoming a governor, rolled out a 5-point agenda tagged SHINE – Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture as well as Education.
*SECURITY*
As governor, Senator Okpebholo has achieved over 100 worthwhile milestones within 100 days in office.
Up until November 12, 2024, Edo state, especially its capital, Benin City, was practically in a Hobbesian state as life was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short”. Cult-related bloodletting were at an all-time high.
Having come to the job armed with the relevant experiences, requisite qualifications and unparalleled determination to enhance the fortunes of the people, the “Akpakomiza” now fondly called “Akpako-messiah” by the people, took the bull by the horns.
The people’s chief servant immediately declared war on the various cult groups who were on rampage, attacking and counter-attacking rivals.
Thus, it is to his credit that for the first time in recent years, the Yuletide would be celebrated without incidents of cult- related killings in Edo State.
Within the period, Governor Okpebholo dealt a fatal blow on kidnappers. He ordered the swift deployment of a Special Tactical Team to Agenebode in Edo North, an action which led to the timely rescue of kidnapped victims and dislodging of kidnappers and other criminal gangs from that axis.
The situation was the same in Uromi where the governor ensured the rescue of kidnapped victims and smoked out kidnappers and criminal gangs in Uromi and environs.
Determined to sustain the gains recorded in his campaign against cultism and killings, the governor facilitated the passage into law, the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Bill, 2025. The new law which repeals the Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition) Law, 2018, provides stiffer sanctions for cultists, their sponsors and collaborators.
Knowing the place of mobility in the fight against crimes, the governor procured several brand new Toyota Hilux vehicles for the various security agencies in Edo State to enhance security operations in the State.
This was aside the procurement of 1,000 high functional motorcycles for security operations in hard-to-reach terrains to ensure rapid response and tactical pursuit of kidnappers and other criminals.
The governor also constituted the Public Safety Response Team to assist security agencies in the enforcement of public safety measures and maintenance of public order.
In addition, Governor Okpebholo reconstituted the Edo State Security Corps, ensuring the revalidation of its members as well as illegal arms mop- up. It is interesting to note that over 5,000 illegal firearms have been recovered so far.
*HEALTH*
For over two years, there was a seeming back and forth between the former administration and the Federal Ministry of Health which was desirous of citing a project in Edo state.
However, within seven days in office, Governor Okpebholo facilitated the smooth take-off of the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Edo State.
The facility is the first and only one in the South-South Geo-political zone. The people’s governor donated 25 hectares of land (with a Certificate of Occupancy) to the Federal Government for the purpose. Apart from the health benefits derivable from the project, the centre will also offer various levels of employment for citizens of the state, thereby contributing to the state economy.
Governor Okpebholo’s administrative acumen was easily spotted by several stakeholders including the Islamic Development Bank IsDB.
The fruit of that recognition would later see the governor flagging-off the IsDB Support to the Malaria Elimination Project in Edo State and the launch of free malaria testing and treatment in all Government Hospitals in the State for the next two years. The project is through the Lives and Livelihoods Funds LLF of the bank.
In an era where malaria is increasingly proving resistant to known medications, this is an opportunity to roll back malaria in the state, offered on a platter.
Concerned about the welfare of the vulnerable including orphans, woman and children, the governor ordered the onboarding of 300 vulnerable persons across the State into the State Equity Plan of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission.
This is in addition to the digitization of Statewide Health Insurance Data Transmission as well as the successful launch of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission Customer Service/Support Policy.
In 100 days, Governor Okpebholo has embarked on the upgrade of State-owned health facilities to enhance service delivery. He also ensured the completion of the Oredo Primary Healthcare Centre and procured much-needed Transformer and Air conditioners for the Edo Specialist Hospital.
As part of his health interventions, the governor also distributed 18 Ultrasound Machines to hospitals in the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State.
Other milestones in Health are the distribution of 220 laptops and tables to 220 Primary Healthcare Centres for data management and the procurement of a Bus and Hilux vehicle for Primary Healthcare Project Monitoring.
*INFRASTRUCTURE*
Economists have postulated that the economic growth of a city depends on infrastructure.
So, in order to make life more meaningful for the people, provide jobs and boost the economy, the governor has made giant strides in infrastructural development.
Some of the milestones include the award of contract and commencement of construction of a flyover bridge at Ramat Park, Benin City; procurement of Payloaders, trucks and compressors for the Edo State Waste Management Agency to enhance service delivery; and, the passage and implementation of the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Law which empowers the State to generate, transmit and distribute power. The gains of these actions are very well obvious.
Governor Okpebholo also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the NNPC Limited and other investors to build a $300 Million Condensate Refinery in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.
Others are signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the installation of $500m 100MW Hydropower Plants at Ikpoba and Ojirami Dams in Edo State; and, resuscitation of the Edo Transport Service (a.k.a Edo Line) with the procurement and commissioning of 100 brand new Hiace Buses for inter-state travels. A veritable transportation system is one powerful public relations tool, capable of wooing potential investors and boosting tourism. So, reviving Edo Line is not just about repositioning the company for increased revenue generation through one stream of income but the multiplier effects on the economy.
It must also be noted that every contract awarded by the governor passed due process and have timelines for completion. The Governor Okpebholo administration will not award contracts for the sake of merely awarding them. Every contract that has been awarded will be completed by the administration.
Some of the projects awarded are contract for the rehabilitation of some failed sections of Upper Mission Road, Benin City; award of contract and rehabilitation of critically failed sections of the Benin-Auchi Road from Obadan Junction to Iruekpen; award of contract and ongoing construction of Ekpoma-Uromi-Ubiaja Road, Edo State; and, award of contract and ongoing construction of Uromi-Onewa-Udomi-Ibhiolulu-Afuda-Idumoza-Eko-Uwaya-Ewora Road with Spurs, Edo State.
Others are award of contract and ongoing construction of Ekiuwa-University of Benin City (UNIBEN) Road, off Upper Mission Road (Temboga Road Extension), Benin City; award of contract and construction of Varsity Road, off Usugbenu Road in Esan Central Local Government Area. This has already been completed.
Also, there is the award of contract and ongoing Construction of Palace Road, off Upper Mission Road, Benin City; Construction of Irrua-Akho-Illeh-Ukhun Road in Esan Central and Esan West Local Government Areas; Construction of Irrua-Illeh-Usenu-Ukhun Road in Esan West Local Government Area; procurement of contract for the construction of Ohe-Uzea Road in Esan North East Local Government Area, as well as the procurement of contract for the construction of Prince Harrison Street, Illeh in Esan Central Local Government Area.
Others include approval for the procurement of contract for the reconstruction of Boundary Road, off Ogba Road, Benin City; procurement of contract for the construction of Okhunmwun Road in Ovia North East Local Government Area; procurement of contract for the construction of 1.5km Utako-Idumu-Aligbe Road, 0.8km Idumu-Ekhuere Road and increased quantity for the replacement of the existing undulating drains as additional works to the contract for the construction of Uromi-Onewa-Udomi-Ibhiolulu-Afuda-Idumoza-Eko-Uwaya-Ewora Road with Spurs.
The Governor has also approved the renovation of the Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service; rehabilitation of four Court of Appeal Complexes and Judges’ Quarters; revitalisation of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) Ihievbe Substation, an action which restored operations after nearly a decade of downtime; upgrade of Information and Communications Technology and other infrastructure at the State-owned Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS); procurement of Two units of 150KVA Perkins Generator for EBS; and, procurement of high-end digital equipment such as High-performance Mac, Broadcasting and Streaming Softwares, Professional Quadcopter Drone with 4K UHD Video Camera, 10kva TV Transmitter, Audio Interfaces/Mixers etc.
Governor Okpebholo also approved the upgrade of Edo State’s Network Infrastructure from 1 Gigabit to a 10 Gigabit Fibre Network supporting services like video conferencing, large file sharing, VoIP calls and more across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)
The administration has partnered with Cisco Networking Academy and others to train and equip staff of the Information Communications Technology Agency Network to efficiently control and independently manage the 10 Gigabit Fibre Network across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
As part of measures to develop effective feedback mechanism and run an all-inclusive administration, the governor, through the Community Social Development Agency CSDA embarked on the construction of Town Halls in Ohanmi, Owan East Local Government Area and 20 other communities across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State.
There is also the provision of All-in-One Solar Streetlights in Iyekogba and 30 other Communities across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State, using the CSDA Platform.
Being an administrator who understands that development is an all-round concept that is inclusive, the governor has a great interest in rural development.
This is why, through the CSDA platform, he has in 100 days provided 500 KVA Transformers and rural electrification in Uwessan, Esan Central Local Government Area and 25 other Communities across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Still under the CSDA platform, the governor embarked on the construction of markets and lockup stores in Auchi and other locations in the three Senatorial Districts; provided boreholes and reticulation at Uzenema, Esan North East and other selected locations in the 3 senatorial districts, as well as the reconstruction of a Police Post at Ojo-Uwelu, Egor, Esan Central Local Government Area.
*NATURAL RESOURCES & AGRICULTURE*
In order to immediately reduce the cost of living and make life easier for the people, the governor on assumption of office banned Market Unions who hitherto fixed exorbitant prices for goods and food items arbitrarily.
On December 31, 2024, the governor also signed an Executive Order for the Establishment, Adoption and Implementation of the Principles of Framework for responsible and inclusive Land-intensive Agricultural Investments (FRILIA). This is a set of pro-people guidelines that encouraged transparency and accountability in large-scale agricultural practices.
Governor Okpebholo also granted approval for the establishment of the State Road Fund (SRF) and Rural Access Road Agency (RARA), requirements under the FRILIA RAAMP programme. This will qualify Edo State to access the $500 million World Bank grant for Rural Agricultural Development.
It is also worthy to note that the governor recently increased the Budget of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security from an insignificant N5.9 billion in 2024 to over N70 billion in 2025 marking a record breaking 1,086% increase. The aim is to boost food product and sufficiency.
The governor also distributed 8,188 bags of fertilizer to 4,094 farmers, facilitated the raising of 34,576 cocoa seedlings with Bass Cocoa Farms, facilitated the building of a Model Facility Veterinary Hospital as well as the disbursement of over N500 million to empower 1,797 farmers in the State under the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project.
Governor Okpebholo within also approved the sum of N1.6 billion to cover the remaining eight Local Government Areas not captured by the Project.
The governor has also declared a back-to-farm initiative to boost food production across the State.
The back-to-farm initiative is an agricultural revolution in the state through which the Okpebholo administration plans to establish farms in the three senatorial districts as well as provide farmers with the needed incentives to produce more food for the nation.
*EDUCATION*
In Education, the governor has taken steps to reposition the State-owned Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
For a start, he increased the monthly subvention from a paltry N41 million to N500 Million, an increase of over 1,119.5 percent.
He has gone ahead to restore the illegally disengaged Staff of the University as well as the recruitment of qualified academic and non-academic staff for the institution.
The governor has also appointed and inaugurated a Governing Council for the University, after he successfully resolved the long-standing delay in the Induction of 128 Graduates from the College of Medicine of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
In 100 days, Governor Okpebholo has embarked on recruiting 500 Teachers for Basic and Post-Basic Schools in Edo State.
He has embarked on other educational projects like the construction and furnishing of Eweka Primary School in Benin City; construction and renovation of New Era College, Benin City; construction and renovation of Ebomisi Secondary School, Ebomisi; and, construction and renovation of Illeh Primary School, Esan West.
Others are construction and renovation of Irrua Girls Grammar School, Irrua, construction and renovation of Udomi Primary School Uwessan. He has also taken steps to revamp all Technical Colleges in the State.
Governor Okpebholo has secured accreditation for three Programmes at the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen. The Programmes are; HND Business Administration, HND Estate Management, and ND Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
He has also embarked on the construction, furnishing and fencing of 3 blocks of classrooms at Ugbubezi Primary School, Sabongida Ora and other locations in the 3 Senatorial Districts, using the CSDA platform.
*OTHERS*
Governor Okpebholo has embarked on restoration, healing and delivering justice to all.
Accordingly, within few days in office, he fully restored the statutory rights to His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin.
The governor, known for his inclusive governance model, has also established the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
In 100 days, the governor has been able to plug revenue leakages and avoid wastage in government.
He has consequently improved the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from an average of N8 billion monthly to over N10 billion, marking the 1st time ever that IGR would hit double digits in the history of Edo State
Other achievements include the appointment of 38 First Class Graduates as part of his administration’s Graduate Development Programme; Expansion of the Graduate Development Programme, now re-christened the Public Service Talent Development Programme; and, approval for the implementation of the new Public Service Rules, which were last reviewed 25 years ago.
The governor was able to stop the exploitation and casualisation of cleaners by Consultants and approved the direct employment of over 700 Cleaners into the Edo State Public Service, with minimum wage and job security.
Before now, several civil service jobs and schedules were outsourced to consultants. Within the last 100 days, the governor disengaged several Consultants who were fleecing Edo State funds and had taken over the functions of many Public Servants without just cause. The Governor returned Public Servants to their duty posts thereby enhancing their career development and advancement.
The governor also swore in 3 Judges who were excluded from being sworn in by the Godwin Obaseki Administration despite being confirmed by the National Judicial Council (NJC)
Governor Okpebholo also launched an interest-free loan Scheme for market women, farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs across urban and rural areas of the State. Over 5,000 beneficiaries have been earmarked to receive the loan to stabilize businesses and drive economic growth.
Edo State, in collaboration with the World Bank, disbursed grants to over 400 small and medium scale business owners, reducing their financial burden and fostering business resilience.
In 100 days, “Edojobs” recorded 5,102 walk-ins at its job centres across 8 locations with 317 residents successfully placed in jobs, 559 vacancies sourced, and employability outcomes growing by 2,097%.
Also, the Edo State Government through the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub trained 172 Edo youth in filmmaking via a 3-day workshop, equipping them with storytelling, scriptwriting, content creation and video editing skills for the creative industry.
Government through the Edo Innovates partnered with GirlLEAD to empower women with entrepreneurial, leadership and tech skills, bridging the gender gap in STEM.
In 100 days, the governor has repositioned the Bendel Newspaper Corporation (The Nigerian Observer): Ensured the take-off of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency with the appointment of a pioneer Managing Director; Constituted and inaugurated Boards and Commissions previously not inaugurated by the last administration for 8 years; and, payment of the “13th month” salary to Edo workers
His Excellency also approved the recruitment of 50 public officers to provide professional services for the Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency, while initiating collaboration with ICT Experts worldwide to ensure the delivery of professional network and Internet services to all MDAs.
Others are equipping ICTA personnel with opportunities to acquire professional certifications from the Cisco Networking Academy, Network Development Group (NDG), Nigerian ICT Forum, and Nigerian Network Operators Group (ngNOG). The administration has enrolled at least 20 ICTA Staff on Cisco Academy platform for the training and certification exams.
The also facilitated the passage of a Law for the Extension of the retirement ages of Magistrates and Presidents of Area Customary Courts in Edo State.
In collaboration with the Office of Nigeria’s First Lady, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Edo State Government through the Renewed Hope Initiative, empowered 250 elderly persons across the 18 LGAs of the State with a cash grant of N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each.
Still in collaboration with the Office of Her Excellency, wife of the President through the Renewed Hope Initiative, the administration has distributed essential food items to the vulnerable and needy within the State.
While 100 days may not exactly be enough to assess a man who has a 4-year renewable mandate, Governor Okpebholo has shown greater commitment to the core principles of governance. The next 100 days promises to be highly eventful.
*Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor.*
OPINION
Enhancing Workplace Safety And Social Protection: The Role Of The Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010

Presentation by
Barr. Oluwaseun M. Faleye
Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund
At the 65th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
International Conference Centre, Enugu
24th August 2025
Introduction
Distinguished colleagues, esteemed members of the Bench and Bar, fellow policymakers, captains of industry, and ladies and gentlemen.
It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before this distinguished assembly at the 65th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association. The NBA has, over decades, remained the conscience of our nation, a defender of rights, a champion of justice, and a custodian of the democratic ideals that gives meaning to our collective existence.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Stand Out, Stand Tall!” is more than a slogan. It is a call to courage, to excellence, and to visionary leadership. It challenges us, as thought-leaders and nation-builders, to lift our society beyond mediocrity and to confront the existential issues that hinder Nigeria’s march toward greatness.
I stand today to speak directly to one of those existential issues, the safety of our workplaces and the social protection of our workers. These are not peripheral concerns; they touch the very core of our humanity, our economy, and our pursuit of sustainable national development.
In focusing on “Enhancing Workplace Safety and Social Protection: The Role of the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010,” I aim to situate our conversation at the intersection of law, labour, and human dignity.
Work is not merely an economic activity; it is central to human identity and social progress. Through work, families are sustained, communities are developed, and nations are built. The dignity of labour, so deeply rooted in our cultural and constitutional ethos, affirms that every worker deserves protection, not just in the fruit of their labour, but also in the very process of labouring.
Yet, the paradox remains: while work empowers, it can also endanger. The same factories that generate wealth can expose workers to industrial hazards; the same oil rigs that earn foreign exchange can subject workers to occupational illnesses; the same construction sites that build our cities can also claim lives in accidents.
This paradox highlights the urgency of workplace safety and the necessity of social protection. It is not enough for a nation to pursue economic growth; such growth must be inclusive, humane, and protective of those whose sweat oils the engines of development.
The Global Context: Grim Realities of Workplace Hazards
Permit me to share with you the grim realities of workplace hazards, and these statistics are not mine; they were provided by the International Labour Organization:
Each year, over 2.8 million workers die from occupational accidents and work-related diseases.
Over 374 million workers suffer non-fatal injuries annually, many of which lead to long-term disabilities or reduced quality of life.
The economic cost of poor occupational safety and health is estimated at nearly 4% of global GDP annually, a staggering burden on productivity, healthcare systems, and social welfare.
These statistics are not just numbers; they are human lives, families disrupted, and dreams shattered. They remind us that workplace safety is not a privilege to be enjoyed by a few but a right owed to all.
Within the context of our own country, our peculiar socio-economic realities make workplace safety and social protection even more urgent.
Data Gaps: Accurate national data on workplace accidents remains limited. However, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, through its Employees’ Compensation Scheme, continues to receive increasing claims from affected workers and employers.
High-Risk Sectors: Industries such as construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing remain prone to frequent and sometimes fatal workplace accidents. Poor adherence to safety standards, inadequate enforcement, and limited awareness exacerbate the problem.
Informal economy Vulnerability: With over 80% of Nigeria’s workforce engaged in the informal economy, millions of workers remain outside structured occupational safety nets, leaving them and their families highly vulnerable in the event of accidents or diseases.
Cultural and Institutional Weaknesses: In many workplaces, safety culture is weak. Employers often see safety compliance as a cost rather than an investment, while workers themselves may lack training or incentives to prioritize safety.
The outcome of these realities is clear: rising workplace accidents, preventable occupational illnesses, and increasing claims for compensation. More importantly, the loss of human capital undermines national productivity and deepens poverty traps for affected families.
Why Workplace Safety and Social Protection Matter
Workplace safety and social protection are not optional luxuries; they are fundamental pillars of social justice, human dignity, and economic sustainability.
They ensure dignity, peace of mind, and assurance that one’s labour will not become a source of tragedy for one’s family.
They enhance productivity, reduce downtime due to accidents, and foster industrial harmony.
They reduce the burden on healthcare systems, mitigate poverty, and enhance national competitiveness.
In essence, workplace safety and social protection are as much about human rights as they are about economic development. A nation that fails to protect its workers fails to protect its future.
The Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010: A Paradigm Shift
The enactment of the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA), 2010 marked a watershed moment in Nigeria’s labour and social security landscape. It replaced the Workmen’s Compensation Act, a law that had long been criticized for its narrow scope, rigidity, and employer-centric bias.
For decades, Nigerian workers and their families bore the brunt of a compensation system that failed to adequately recognize the evolving realities of modern workplaces. The law operated within the framework of an industrial era that no longer reflected the complex dynamics of contemporary employment relationships. Workers were often left destitute after workplace accidents, while employers faced prolonged litigation that neither restored the injured nor secured industrial harmony.
The ECA 2010 emerged as both a legal reform and a moral commitment, aligning Nigeria with international best practices, especially as recommended by the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions on occupational safety, health, and social security.
1. Comprehensive Coverage
One of the most remarkable contributions of the ECA is its expansive scope.
It applies to all employers and employees across both the public and private sectors, creating a unified national standard.
It extends protection beyond physical accidents to include:
Occupational injuries sustained in the course of work.
Occupational diseases arising from exposure to harmful substances or hazardous environments.
Permanent and temporary disabilities, whether partial or total.
Mental health challenges linked to workplace stress, trauma, or hazards, an innovative inclusion that reflects global recognition of psychosocial risks.
By broadening its ambit, the ECA acknowledges the complex and evolving nature of work, ensuring that no worker is left behind simply because their injury or illness does not fit into a narrow definition.
2. Employer Contribution System
The ECA dismantled the inequitable structure of the past where individual employers bore sole liability for compensation. Under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, an employer had to directly compensate an injured worker, often leading to disputes, prolonged court cases, and financial strain.
In contrast, the ECA introduced a collective, pooled system where employers across sectors contribute to a central fund administered by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund. The Fund ensures that resources are available upfront to address claims promptly, rather than waiting for the outcome of litigation.
The pooled risk model reflects the principle of social solidarity, spreading risks and costs across the economy, rather than isolating them within a single workplace.
This mechanism not only secures workers’ rights but also protects employers from the unpredictability of individual liability. It shifts the focus from blame to shared responsibility.
3. Quick and Fair Compensation
The ECA was deliberately designed to speed up and humanize the compensation process.
Injured workers are entitled to immediate medical treatment without the burden of proving employer negligence. Beyond treatment, workers receive physical rehabilitation, vocational training, and support for reintegration into the workforce.
In cases of permanent or temporary disability, the law guarantees structured financial support. Dependents of workers who lose their lives in workplace accidents receive death benefits, ensuring families are not plunged into poverty.
This no-fault principle, where workers are compensated regardless of negligence, removes the adversarial tension of litigation. It prioritizes healing, dignity, and security over legal wrangling.
4. The Social Security Dimension
Perhaps the most transformative feature of the ECA is its broad social security orientation. Unlike its predecessor, the Act is not limited to post-accident compensation but also embraces prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
5. A Balance between Rights and Responsibilities
The genius of the Employees’ Compensation Act lies in its balance.
For workers, it guarantees protection without the hurdles of litigation or the uncertainty of employer discretion. For employers, it eliminates the risk of crippling lawsuits and provides predictable contributions into a shared pool. For the nation, it strengthens social justice, reduces systemic poverty traps, and aligns Nigeria with international labour standards.
Thus, the ECA 2010 represents more than just legal reform, it is a paradigm shift towards a modern, inclusive, and humane labour ecosystem. It affirms that in Nigeria’s pursuit of growth, the lives and dignity of workers cannot be treated as expendable.
Current Realities and Challenges
Fifteen years after its enactment, the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010 has undoubtedly transformed Nigeria’s labour compensation framework. The establishment of a no-fault, pooled compensation system has brought hope to thousands of workers and their families. Yet, as with most legal and policy reforms, the journey from law on paper to lived reality has been uneven.
While progress has been recorded in claims processing, accident coverage, and legal clarity, several persistent and emerging challenges continue to undermine the Act’s full impact.
Low Employer Compliance
One of the most pressing realities is incomplete employer compliance, especially among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Despite being the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for over 80% of jobs and nearly 50% of GDP, many SMEs either fail to register with the NSITF or under-declare their workforce size and wage bills.
Reasons for non-compliance include limited awareness of legal obligations, perceived cost burden of contributions and weak enforcement and monitoring mechanisms.
The result is that millions of workers in SMEs remain outside the protective umbrella of the Act, leaving them vulnerable to poverty traps in cases of workplace accidents.
This compliance gap undermines the spirit of universality and inclusivity envisioned by the law.
Limited Awareness Among Workers and Employers
A large proportion of Nigerian employees remain unaware of their rights under the Act.
Many workers do not know they are entitled to compensation in cases of occupational injury or disease. In some cases, employers exploit this ignorance by discouraging claims or providing token settlements instead of due benefits.
Even among educated workers, there is often confusion between ECA entitlements and other social protection schemes like pensions or health insurance.
Awareness campaigns have been sporadic, with limited penetration outside major cities. For a country with over 70 million workers in the informal and formal sectors combined, sustained national enlightenment is essential and we are committed to doing that to ensure that Nigerian workers understand their rights and the benefits associated with complying with the Employee’s Compensation Act.
Under-Reporting of Workplace Accidents
Another major challenge is the systemic under-reporting of workplace accidents and occupational diseases.
Many employers fear that reporting incidents will attract sanctions, regulatory scrutiny, or reputational damage.
Workers themselves sometimes avoid reporting for fear of losing their jobs, stigmatization, or bureaucratic delays in accessing benefits. This results in a data gap, making it difficult for policymakers and regulators to accurately assess the scope of occupational risks in Nigeria.
For instance, while the International Labour Organization estimates that 2.8 million workers die globally every year from work-related causes, Nigeria’s official records capture only a fraction of actual cases. The absence of reliable, comprehensive data limits the country’s ability to design targeted interventions.
Changing Work Dynamics in a New Economy
The world of work is changing rapidly, and Nigeria is no exception. The ECA 2010, while progressive, must continuously adapt to these evolving realities.
Platforms like ride-hailing services, delivery apps, and freelance digital work create new categories of workers who often fall outside traditional employer-employee relationships.
As I have mentioned, over 80% of Nigerian workers operate in the informal economy, where workplace safety standards are often non-existent. Extending the ECA’s protections to this vast segment remains a daunting but necessary task.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated remote work adoption, raising new questions about what qualifies as a “workplace accident” when work is performed from home.
With automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence entering workplaces, new categories of hazards, such as ergonomic injuries, mental stress, or even cyber-related risks are emerging.
These shifts demand dynamic legal interpretation and possible amendments to ensure that the ECA remains relevant in a rapidly changing labour market.
These realities highlight the need for multi-sector collaboration, linking labour law enforcement with broader economic reforms, social welfare, and national development strategies.
The Role of Lawyers and Policymakers
The implementation and impact of the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010 cannot rest on the NSITF alone. Like every piece of transformative legislation, the ECA lives and breathes through the interpretation, advocacy, and enforcement carried out by lawyers, judges, and policymakers.
Apart from our expectation of you as advocates of the efficacy and importance of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, the most crucial expectation we have of you lawyers and leaders of the bar here is to lead by example.
We must comply with the law ourselves. We must ensure that all law firms practicing law in Nigeria subscribe to the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.
As you all know, law practice, particularly those of our colleagues engaged in dispute resolution practices comes with its risks. Lawyers travel to different parts of this country practicing their trade, advocating and defending clients. These journeys come with risk.
For the corporate and commercial lawyers, they tend to sit for hours reviewing documents, negotiating agreements and also do a lot of traveling in the course of work. These long hours at work stations often leads back and spinal injuries.
Indeed, the pressure of work could sometimes lead not only to physical challenges but to mental stress as well. Yet, majority of our law firms are not complying with the Employees’ Compensation Scheme to give their employees, fellow lawyers the safety net the law prescribed and which they all deserve.
The NBA must do more and ensure that all law firms comply with the Employees’ Compensation Act to safeguard our workforce. And it is my hope that the Welfare Committee of the NBA will champion this initative.
We must ensure that evidence of compliance with the ECA becomes part of documentation for aspiring to be Senior Advocates. As part of the law firm inspection exercise towards the conferment of silk, I urge us to ask for evidence that law firms are complying with the Employees’ Compensation Act akin to our position on payment of pension obligations for lawyers.
Corporate lawyers are often the first point of contact for businesses seeking to understand their obligations under labour laws. It is therefore incumbent on them to educate employers, particularly SMEs on the necessity of compliance with the ECA, not only as a legal requirement but as a strategic business investment.
When disputes arise, lawyers must uphold the spirit of social justice embedded in the Act, ensuring that compensation claims are pursued diligently and without undue delay.
Beyond individual cases, the legal community must serve as advocates of systemic reform, engaging with government and civil society to strengthen workplace safety and employee protections.
The Nigerian Bar Association can serve as a bridge between policymakers and the workforce, ensuring that the law keeps pace with global best practices and local realities.
As to the role of the judiciary, we acknowledge that the courts play a pivotal role in giving life to the Act. Therefore, judicial interpretation must consistently reflect the protective, worker-centred philosophy of the ECA.
Landmark rulings can set precedents that discourage employers from evading responsibilities and embolden employees to seek justice without fear.
The judiciary must guard against narrow, technical interpretations that undermine the law’s purpose. Instead, it must elevate the principle that the protection of human dignity is paramount.
From the legislative perspective, our law makers must recognize that the labour market is evolving faster than ever before. Regular amendments to the ECA 2010, whether to address the gig economy, informal economy realities, or technological hazards, are necessary to maintain its relevance.
The ECA 2010, therefore, should not be viewed solely as a labour statute, but as a human rights instrument, a guarantee that every Nigerian worker deserves protection, dignity, and a safety net against the uncertainties of life.
The Future of Workplace Safety and Social Protection in Nigeria
Looking forward, the NSITF’s vision is to build a comprehensive social security architecture for Nigeria, with the ECA as its cornerstone. The Act laid the foundation, but the building of a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready system requires bold innovations.
The Fund is embracing technology-driven solutions to improve speed, transparency, and accountability.
Real-time reporting systems will allow employers and workers to instantly report accidents through digital platforms, ensuring quicker responses. Data analytics will enable predictive modelling, identify high-risk sectors and help prevent accidents before they happen.
E-certificates of compliance which we have already introduced, are reducing fraud and making compliance verification seamless.
The ECS’s future lies in creating innovative schemes tailored to suit the informal economy. Pilot projects are already exploring contributory micro-schemes that will allow even low-income workers to enjoy compensation and protection.
Extending coverage to the informal economy is not only a matter of justice but also of national productivity, since these workers drive much of Nigeria’s growth.
Compensation after injury is important, but prevention is better, cheaper, and more sustainable. The Fund is investing in workplace safety audits to identify risks early, we are undertaking compliance inspections with deterrent sanctions for violators and enhancing our capacity through programs, training employers and employees on global best practices in occupational safety and health (OSH).
By fostering a culture of prevention, Nigeria can reduce workplace accidents and improve productivity across sectors.
Nigeria must continue to harmonize with international standards by ratifying and implementing relevant ILO conventions on occupational safety and health. We must learn from other countries with mature compensation frameworks and systems.
We must leverage partnerships with global organizations to build capacity, fund safety initiatives, and modernize systems. These sorts of global alignment ensures that Nigerian workers are not left behind in an increasingly interconnected labour market.
Conclusion
Distinguished colleagues, learned friends, ladies and gentlemen, the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010 is more than a statute on the books. It is a covenant of dignity, a shield of protection, and a beacon of social justice for the Nigerian worker.
It represents a promise, that when a worker is injured, they will not be abandoned; when a family loses its breadwinner, they will not be thrown into despair; and when an employer invests in safety, they will be rewarded with loyalty, productivity, and peace.
To truly “Stand Out, Stand Tall,” as this conference theme challenges us, we must rise above rhetoric and build a society where no worker leaves home in fear that their daily bread could cost them their life, no child is forced out of school because an injured parent can no longer provide and no widow or widower is left destitute because justice was delayed or denied.
This is not just about labour law, it is about the soul of our nation. A society that protects its workers protects its future. A nation that neglects its workforce undermines its destiny.
The call before us today is clear.
Lawyers must be the vanguard of compliance and justice, using their knowledge to protect the vulnerable.
Policymakers must be visionaries, ensuring that our laws evolve with the realities of modern work.
Employers must see safety and social protection not as costs, but as investments in their people and their productivity.
And institutions like the NSITF must continue to lead with innovation, transparency, and courage.
If we do this, we will build more than safe workplaces, we will build a safer Nigeria. We will do more than compensate accidents, we will prevent them. We will not just write laws; we will write legacies.
Together, we can build a Nigeria where every citizen can stand out in excellence and stand tall in dignity.
Thank you.
May God bless our workers.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Oluwaseun Faleye
Managing Director/CE
Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund
OPINION
US Visa Applicants And Social Media Disclosure: A Risky Overreach With Dire Consequences For Nigerians

By Olufemi Soneye
The United States has recently implemented a sweeping immigration policy requiring nearly all visa applicants to disclose their social media handles and digital histories. Framed as a tool to bolster national security, counter terrorism, and curb cybercrime, the measure may appear reasonable on paper. But for Nigerians and many others from countries with vibrant, digitally active populations the consequences are troubling and far-reaching.
Nigeria’s dynamic online culture is marked by satire, political commentary, and spirited debate. In this context, posts that are humorous or culturally specific may be misunderstood by foreign officials unfamiliar with the nuances of local discourse. What may be a harmless meme or satirical remark in Nigeria could be wrongly interpreted as extremist, subversive, or fraudulent by US immigration authorities.
This does not merely pose a risk to individual visa applicants. It threatens broader societal values such as freedom of expression, cultural authenticity, and civic engagement. It also risks further straining US–Nigeria relations at a time when collaboration and mutual respect are more important than ever.
The US government maintains that social media activity provides valuable insight into a visa applicant’s character, affiliations, and potential risks. In an age where radicalization and misinformation can proliferate online, there is some logic to this argument. However, in practice, it opens the door to arbitrary interpretations, biased judgments, and significant invasions of privacy.
Disturbing cases have already emerged. A Norwegian tourist was recently denied entry into the United States after officials discovered a meme referencing US Vice President J.D. Vance on his phone. In another case, a Nigerian businesswoman with a valid visa was turned away at a US border after immigration officers reviewed her Instagram messages and claimed her online activity contradicted the nature of her visa. These examples illustrate how subjective and potentially discriminatory the enforcement of this policy can be.
Adding to the concern, the US has launched a pilot program requiring visa applicants from select countries to pay a $15,000 bond. The initiative, which began with Malawi and Zambia, reportedly targets nations with high visa overstay rates and could be expanded. It sends a chilling message: that citizens of certain countries are presumed guilty until proven otherwise.
For Nigerians, the implications are especially severe. Privacy is the first casualty. Applicants must now submit their digital footprints including personal conversations, private networks, and online affiliations to a foreign government. Freedom of expression is the next victim. Young Nigerians, who make up the majority of users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, may begin self-censoring out of fear that political opinions or cultural commentary could jeopardize their chances of traveling or studying abroad.
This policy disproportionately impacts the very demographic that is driving Nigeria’s innovation, creativity, and international reputation. Students, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals, the most globally engaged Nigerians are now the most vulnerable to misinterpretation and arbitrary visa denials. What constitutes a “red flag” is alarmingly subjective: a meme, a retweet, or a political statement could be enough to trigger rejection, with little recourse for appeal.
There are broader implications for the Nigerian diaspora and global mobility. Social media has long served as a bridge connecting Nigerians abroad with their homeland, facilitating civic dialogue, cultural exchange, and philanthropic engagement. If digital expression becomes a liability, this bridge may weaken, silencing a vital global voice and undermining transnational ties.
Moreover, the policy risks reinforcing damaging stereotypes. Nigerians already contend with international biases linking the country to fraud or instability. A policy that scrutinizes their digital lives under a security lens could deepen mistrust, alienate young professionals, and diminish goodwill toward the United States.
The global repercussions are also concerning. If the US, a global standard-setter in immigration policy, normalizes the collection and evaluation of applicants’ private digital histories, other countries may follow suit. This would set a dangerous precedent, where opportunities for global mobility depend not on merit or intent, but on an algorithmic analysis of social media behavior often devoid of cultural context.
National security is undeniably important. But it must be balanced with fairness, proportionality, and respect for fundamental rights. This policy represents a dangerous overreach one that sacrifices privacy, chills free expression, and penalizes those who should be celebrated for their global engagement.
If the United States is truly committed to fostering partnerships with countries like Nigeria, it must recognize that sustainable security cannot be built on suspicion and surveillance. Instead, it should embrace and empower the voices of Nigeria’s youth, educated, innovative, and globally connected who could be among America’s strongest allies in the decades ahead.
**Soneye is a seasoned media strategist and former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, known for his sharp political insight, bold journalism, and high-level stakeholder engagement across government, corporate, and international platforms**
OPINION
Dr Emaluji Writes Open Letter To FG, General Public On National Distress

Date: August 6, 2025
OPEN LETTER TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Subject: A Nation in Distress — A Critical Assessment of the Failed Tinubu-Led APC Government
Fellow Nigerians,
As the South-South Volunteer Youth Spokesman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), I write with a heavy heart and a deep sense of patriotic duty to call attention to the rapid and disturbing collapse of governance under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC). What we are witnessing is not just a national crisis — it is a complete breakdown of systems and values that once gave our country hope.
In every measurable sector of our national life — the economy, security, food security, infrastructure, governance, and social cohesion — this administration has failed woefully. The consequences are no longer abstract statistics; they are lived realities for millions of Nigerians.
1. Poverty and Hunger at Unprecedented Levels
Today, Nigeria holds the tragic record as the poverty capital of the world. Families go entire days without food. Prices of basic food items such as rice, garri, yam, and bread have more than tripled. Hunger is now a weapon, a daily battle for the poor and even the middle class.
2. Hyperinflation and a Crumbling Economy
The naira has lost over 70% of its value in just over a year. With inflation well above 35%, the average Nigerian can no longer afford rent, fuel, transportation, or medical care. Small businesses are shutting down en masse, while unemployment surges. There is no cash in circulation, no confidence in the banking system, and no trust in leadership.
3. Insecurity Across the Nation
From Sokoto to Delta, Borno to Enugu, no region is spared. Banditry, kidnappings, assassinations, ritual killings, and armed robbery are daily news. Our security forces are overwhelmed and underpaid, while leadership at the top offers empty reassurances and photo-ops.
4. Neglect of Contractors and Economic Sabotage
It is both shocking and unacceptable that Federal Government contractors who executed infrastructure and service-based projects for national development have not been paid for over nine months. In June 2025, more than 5,000 local contractors took to the streets in Abuja to protest non-payment. Many of them are now bankrupt. Some have tragically lost their lives due to stress and untreated medical conditions resulting from financial ruin.
Let it be known that these contractors are the backbone of infrastructure and service delivery in Nigeria. When they are denied payment, schools, hospitals, roads, and water systems remain unfinished. Workers are laid off. More Nigerians fall into poverty. The economy suffers — all because this administration refuses to do the bare minimum: honour its obligations.
5. A Government that Refuses to Listen
President Tinubu and the APC have shown zero regard for public opinion, professional advice, or human suffering. Rather than admit failure and course-correct, they weaponize propaganda, distract with divisive rhetoric, and gaslight the nation with false promises.
Our Stand as ADC Youth Volunteers
As youth leaders of the ADC in the South-South and across the country, we reject this incompetence, this deception, and this collapse. The future of Nigeria cannot be mortgaged to leaders who are incapable of managing crises, who reward loyalty over competence, and who treat Nigerians as expendable political pawns.
We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to rise and speak truth to power. The time for silence is over. A new Nigeria cannot emerge from a foundation of betrayal, hunger, and bloodshed.
Enough is Enough.
Signed,
Dr. Emaluji Michael Sunday
South-South Volunteer Youth Spokesman
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Email: adcvolunteers.ng@gmail.com
Tel: +234 8065667809