General News
NSITF pays N31.7m compensation to five federal workers’ families
Our Reporter
Fifteen years after the Employees’ Compensation Act was signed into law, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) on Tuesday presented the first compensation cheques worth N31,720,570.5 million directly to five beneficiaries from treasury-funded Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The maiden presentation held in Abuja, brought together families who lost loved ones or suffered workplace injuries in the course of public service.
Managing Director and Chief Executive of NSITF, Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, said the event was not ceremonial but the fulfilment of a legal promise. “We are not here for a ceremony. We are here to keep a promise,” Faleye told beneficiaries, permanent secretaries and heads of MDAs.
“What began as a system on paper has, today, become a cheque in someone’s hand. That is the distance between policy and people, and today, we closed it.”
The ECA 2010 guarantees compensation to every worker in Nigeria, whether in the public and private sector, who suffers injury, occupational disease, or dies in the course of work. For years, Faleye said, that guarantee “lived mostly on paper” for federal civil servants.
The breakthrough followed the onboarding of federal workers into the ECS framework and the launch of an ECS Help Desk at the Office of the Head of Service in April this year.
Faleye paid tribute to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, for driving compliance in the public sector.
“What we are witnessing today does not happen without leadership willing to make compliance a culture rather than a memo,” he said.
“Your office did not simply permit this process; it drove it, defended it, and insisted that Nigeria’s civil servants would not be an afterthought in their own government’s welfare architecture,” he added.
Addressing beneficiaries directly, the NSITF boss acknowledged that no payment could replace a lost life. “I will not stand here and tell you that any amount on any cheque undoes what your family has been through. It does not,” he said.
“What this cheque does say is this: you were not forgotten. Your loss was seen. Your sacrifice was recorded, not just in a file, but in the conscience of this nation.”
He assured families that NSITF’s responsibility does not end with the payment. “We consider it begun,” he added, citing plans for faster claims processing and stronger occupational health and safety standards to prevent future incidents.
Faleye also urged MDAs yet to fully enrol their staff to act immediately. “To every MDA and every organisation not yet fully enrolled: your workers are already exposed to the risk. The only question is whether they are also protected. Enrol. Comply,” he said, adding that “every family in this room today is proof of what it costs when protection arrives late, and proof of what it means when, eventually, it arrives at all.”
The NSITF boss said the scheme will now be extended to reach every eligible worker across the federal service, not only those who know to ask.
The beneficiaries include, Jae Grace Danture from the Office of Auditor General of the Federation (N3,821,009.28), Uzochukwu Aguomba (N10,397,550), Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olofu Pius Agri (N3,168,656), University of Abuja, Patience Oyekunle Nwankwo (N2,450,000), Office of Head of Service of the Federation and Audu Sanda Eyum (N11,883,355) from the Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).
In her remarks at the occasion, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, commended the NSITF MD and his organization for their commitment to the protection of workers. “I strongly commend the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Mr. Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye, and his team for their commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerian workers and making today possible”.
She noted that “Today, we are translating Government’s promise of protection into practical support for Civil Servants and families affected by work-related injury, occupational disease, disability or loss. These cheques are neither gifts nor acts of charity. They are lawful entitlements under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010, and evidence that Government stands with those who serve”.
She commended President Bola Tinubu for continuously prioritising the welfare and dignity of workers, stressing that the ESC advances the “Renewed Hope Agenda by placing people and improved service delivery at the centre of governance. That the Act has become operational for Public Servants for the first time, under this Administration, is evidence of Mr. President’s belief in the critical role the Public Service plays in Governance”.
She recalled that earlier in the year, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the NSITF signed a Memorandum of Understanding and commissioned the Employees’ Compensation Scheme Help Desk. The Help Desk was established to simplify access to information, facilitate incident reporting and support the processing of claims and this presentation demonstrates that the partnership is producing tangible results.
According to her, “The Employees’ Compensation Scheme provides financial compensation, medical care, counselling and rehabilitation for affected employees, as well as support for dependents in fatal cases. It is an important social protection mechanism that supports recovery and enables affected officers to rebuild their lives with dignity. It is designed to provide succour to Public Servants whose lives are adversely affected, during the course of their official duties”.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Kamil Ayinde Shoretire, praised NSITF for keeping to its mandate to ensure Nigerians have access to social security and protection.
He said the Employees’ Compensation Scheme was framed to ensure safety at the workplace and guarantee against any form of incident that would undermine the wellbeing of workers.
“These activities today are a demonstration of the Tinubu-led government’s commitment to boost workers’ productivity and improve safety at the workplace. NSITF will continue to serve Nigerians better as it has shown commitment to enhance social safety in our workspaces”, he stated.
NSITF’s Executive Director (Finance), Samuel Olufemi Ayodele, reacting to the accolades given by the Head of Service and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, restated that the NSITF was excited to host such events, saying, “We are proud of moments like this, which clearly show we are on course in the discharge of our mandate and responsibility to workers and the Nigerian people.”
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Sandra Audu from PTAD, commended the NSITF for their professionalism, especially in carrying out the verification, saying, “ I want to thank the management of the NSITF and the staff for their commitment to professionalism.
“I did not know anybody at NSITF, but everything went well. Even when I was at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, because of my condition, I couldn’t go to the office, but they made arrangements to meet with me, and everything went seamlessly. To me, this is another benefit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and I commend all those concerned”, she stated.
General News
NNPC announces nationwide N66 fuel discount for fuel bought through app

By Our Reporter
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has commenced a nationwide promotional campaign offering customers a ₦66 discount on fuel purchases made through its NNPC Fuel App.
The promotion, which began on October 1, will run until October 7 at NNPC filling stations across the country.
NNPC announced the initiative in a post on its X handle on Friday, saying customers had already started taking advantage of the offer at various stations.
“The ₦66 Discount Promo is ongoing & the excitement is already happening across our stations nationwide!
“All over Nigeria, our customers are getting in on the action & there’s still time for you to benefit!
The promo runs from 1–7 October on the NNPC Fuel App,” the post read.
The company said activities had commenced at several of its stations nationwide, with highlights from the first day of the promotion shared with the public.
NNPC urged motorists and other customers to continue using the Fuel App for their transactions throughout the seven-day campaign in order to benefit from the discount.
“Keep fueling, keep transacting and keep your eyes on our pages,” the post read.
The national oil company also said it would continue to release pictures and updates from participating stations as the promotion progresses.
Customers have been advised to take advantage of the offer before the promotional period ends on October 7.
The ₦66 discount applies to eligible transactions made through the NNPC Fuel App during the promotion.
General News
Hardship: Public servants begin three-day warning strike

By Our Reporter
Public servants across Nigeria have commenced a three-day warning strike following a directive by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council over what the workers described as worsening economic and mental hardship.
The industrial action, which began at midnight on Friday, October 2, 2026, is expected to run through Sunday, October 4.
The council directed its national and state leadership to mobilise workers for the action, with the directive contained in a circular dated October 1 and signed by the National Secretary of the JNPSNC, Olowoyo Gbenga.
The circular urged the council’s leadership to ensure that the strike notice reached workers across the country.
The decision, according to the council, followed the Federal Government’s alleged failure to respond to demands earlier presented to President Bola Tinubu in a letter dated September 21, 2026.
READ ALSO:Unions reject TUC suspension of strike, demand reversal of King’s College concession
Explaining the commencement of the industrial action, the council stated, “Consequent upon the above, the strike shall start with effect from midnight on Friday, 2nd October, 2026 to Sunday October 4th, 2026.”
The council called on public servants at the federal, state and local government levels to participate in the warning strike, saying the action was aimed at drawing attention to the economic difficulties confronting workers and their dependants.
It stated, “In the same vein, all public servants in the services of federal, state and local governments are to join the warning strike because an injury to one is an injury to all, most especially, all workers, their dependants, vulnerable and hapless Nigerians are groaning terribly under the present economic hardship.”
The JNPSNC further expressed concern over the impact of the economic situation on workers, saying, “The economic and mental hardships are becoming unbearable and frustrating.”
It also directed its leaders to commence immediate mobilisation for the industrial action, declaring, “The time to act and mobilise workers for the three-day warning strike is now!!!”
The warning strike comes against the backdrop of demands earlier submitted by the council to the Federal Government for measures to ease the pressure of rising living costs on workers.
Among the demands were a reduction in the price of petrol, an immediate wage award for workers and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.
The council had reportedly asked the Federal Government to bring down the pump price of petrol to N500 per litre, approve an immediate wage award and constitute a tripartite committee to negotiate a new national minimum wage.
The demands followed continued concerns over the declining purchasing power of workers amid increases in the prices of essential commodities, transportation and other household needs.
In its latest circular, the council urged its members to circulate the strike notice and expressed optimism about the outcome of the industrial action.
“Please, disseminate the information!!! Surely, there is victory for us!!!” the circular added.
The council maintained that the warning strike would proceed as scheduled, with public servants across the federal, state and local government services expected to take part.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Ministry of Labour were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
General News
Olokoro Community Eulogises NDPHC MD/CEO Adighije for School Renovation, Development Projects
Johnchuks Onuanyim, Abuja
The people of Olokoro Clan in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State have showered encomiums on the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, for executing key development projects in the community, including the comprehensive renovation of a block of classrooms at Boys Secondary School, Umuoparazara.
The community described the projects as landmark interventions that have not only improved learning conditions for students but also reinforced Adighije’s commitment to grassroots development and community service.
Speaking during the commissioning of the projects on Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration, community leaders, traditional rulers, women groups and youth organisations hailed Adighije as a worthy ambassador of Olokoro whose contributions have brought honour and development to the clan.
The projects commissioned include the renovation of a classroom block at Boys Secondary School, Umuoparazara Olokoro, and the landscaping and installation of modern 3D flooring at the Olokoro Clan Headquarters Complex in Ahiaukwu.
The event attracted a large gathering of traditional rulers, government representatives, community stakeholders and indigenes who turned out to celebrate what many described as a historic day for the clan.
In his remarks, the Federated President-General of the Olokoro Clan Development Union (OCDU), Dr. Odinakachi Umekwe, commended Adighije for her dedication to the welfare of her people and for consistently identifying with the aspirations of the community.
He noted that the renovation of the school facility would significantly improve the learning environment for students and contribute to educational development in the area.
Umekwe urged community members to safeguard and maintain the facilities, while offering prayers for greater accomplishments in Adighije’s public service career.
Speaking shortly before commissioning the renovated classroom block, Adighije attributed the successful execution of the projects to God’s grace and the productive partnership between the community and government institutions.
She assured the people that her intervention in the school would not end with the renovation, announcing plans to undertake solar electrification of the classroom block as the next phase of support.
According to her, quality education remains critical to community development and nation-building, stressing that investments in educational infrastructure are investments in the future of young people.
She also pledged to continue collaborating with the leadership of the OCDU to identify and execute additional projects that would improve the living conditions of residents.
The community further applauded the NDPHC boss for her contributions to youth empowerment, employment opportunities and other initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic wellbeing of Olokoro people.
Traditional rulers, women leaders, youth representatives and elders who spoke at the event described Adighije as a role model and a source of inspiration to younger generations, noting that her achievements in engineering, public service and community development have made the clan proud.
In an emotional response during a grand reception held in her honour at the Olokoro Clan Headquarters, Adighije thanked the people for their overwhelming support and goodwill.
She reaffirmed her commitment to serving humanity and promoting the development of Olokoro, assuring residents that she would continue to contribute her quota to the progress of the community whenever the opportunity arises.
Her father, Senator Chris Adighije, also expressed gratitude to the people of Olokoro for the honour accorded his family and pledged continued support for initiatives that would advance the development of the clan.
The event featured cultural performances by students of Boys Secondary School, Umuoparazara, and was attended by prominent traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, youth organisations and other stakeholders from across Olokoro Clan.
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