Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barr. Oluwaseun Falaye, on Tuesday, commissioned an Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) Help Desk at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Faleye said that, by the commissioning, the NSITF is institutionalising protection and dignity for Nigerian civil servants, adding that “it is a bold statement that the Nigerian government is not only committed to service but also to the safety, welfare, and security of those who serve.”
“What we are witnessing here today is a defining milestone, a significant step in the evolution of social security delivery within Nigeria’s public service. A step that transforms policy into presence and intention into impact,” he stated.
The Managing Director commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening social protection systems and prioritising the welfare of the Nigerian workforce.
He also appreciated the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson Jack, for her visionary leadership, strategic direction, and institutional support that have made the initiative a reality.
“Your dedication to reform and continuous improvement within the Federal Civil Service is highly commendable, Ma. We appreciate your approach to this partnership with clarity of purpose and a commitment to building a more responsive and worker-centred environment.
“To all stakeholders across ministries, departments, and agencies, your collaboration, openness, and alignment have been critical to achieving this milestone. This is a collective success, and it reflects what is possible when institutions work together with a shared vision.”
On the importance of the desk, Faleye explained that “What makes today truly historic is that this is the first of its kind. For the first time, federal civil servants under treasury-funded MDAs are being systematically integrated into the Employees’ Pension Scheme through a structured payroll framework. This is not just an operational improvement; it is a structural transformation. It ensures that from the very beginning.”
Enumerating the structural composition, the MD stated that ‘a very eligible civil servant is captured’. Every contribution is accounted for. And every potential claim is anchored on a reliable and verifiable system. This is how strong systems are built: intentionally, deliberately, and sustainably.”
According to him, the Employees’ Compensation Scheme Help Desk is the true engine of service delivery, stressing that “This Help Desk is not just a physical office. It is a fully functional, responsive, and accessible one-stop service hub. A place where every civil servant can come with confidence and receive clear information, professional guidance, prompt support and effective resolution.”
Speaking further, the MD said the Help Desk has been designed to serve multiple critical functions, including an information and clarification hub. It provides accurate and timely information on every aspect of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, ensuring that civil servants fully understand their rights, benefits, and entitlements.
The composition includes the Advisory and Guidance Centre: it offers guidance to staff and HR units across MDAs on procedures, documentation, eligibility, and compliance requirements, eliminating confusion and uncertainty.
Listing the interfaces of the help desk, Falaye maintained that “The Claims Support and Processing Interface serves as the first point of contact for claims-related matters, guiding applicants through the process, ensuring completeness of documentation, and facilitating seamless submission.
“Issue Resolution and Escalation Desk: All concerns, complaints, or challenges will be promptly attended to and escalated where necessary, ensuring that no issue is ignored and no case is left unattended.
“Compliance and Liaison Platform: The Help Desk will work closely with ECS liaison officers across MDAs to ensure proper coordination, accurate data flow, and adherence to established processes.
“Data and Feedback Intelligence Centre: It will capture real-time data, identify trends, and provide insights that will help us continuously improve the scheme, simplify procedures, and enhance service delivery.
“Sensitisation awareness channel: It will also serve as a platform for ongoing education, ensuring that awareness of the scheme is not a one-time event but a continuous process.
Further noted that “With this structure in place, our commitment at NSITF is clear: we are delivering a system that is accessible, responsive, transparent and efficient.
“Our processes are now streamlined and coordinated, designed to ensure that engagement is smoother, responses are faster, and outcomes are more predictable.
“What we have done here today is not to repair a system, but to build one correctly from the very beginning. A system that works by design, a system that inspires confidence and a system that assures every civil servant that they are not just employees but protected stakeholders in the Nigerian project.
“Today, we are not just commissioning a help desk. We are commissioning access. We are commissioning confidence. We are commissioning a future where every Nigerian civil servant can serve with the assurance that their welfare is secure and their dignity is protected. Their government stands firmly behind them,” he summed up.
In her response, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson Jack, lauded the commissioning of the Help Desk, describing it as historic, while commending the president for his support and concern for the welfare of civil servants.
In her words: “This is a historic moment, an act coming to life after 16 years, thanks to Mr President, as it has added all that we have for the workers for their welfare.” We are deeply grateful to Mr President for taking workers’ welfare a priority.” ”.
The highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NSITF and OHCSF to strengthen the synergy. While Barr. Faleye signed for the ITF, NSl Garba, the Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office for the OHCSF.
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