The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund have renewed calls for the effective nationwide implementation of the Employee Compensation Act 2010.

The call was made on Tuesday in Lagos during the Safe Workplace Intervention Project 2025 Interactive Enlightenment Forum and Awards Ceremony.

NECA president, Ifeanyi Okoye, said the act was designed to promote workplace safety and provide social protection for Nigerian workers.

Mr Okoye spoke through Olubunmi Osuntuyi, secretary general of the International Chambers of Commerce Nigeria. He said the programme formed part of a nationwide effort to enlighten employers on their legal responsibilities under the act.

According to him, the initiative encourages employers to adopt proactive occupational health and safety practices across workplaces.

“It is an opportunity to bridge compliance gaps, address operational challenges, and deepen trust in the Employees’ Compensation system,” Mr Okoye said.

He said effective safety standards enhanced productivity, business sustainability, and workforce morale. Mr Okoye reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to working with NSITF, organised labour, and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

He said the collaboration aimed to strengthen the employees’ compensation scheme and improve employer compliance. The NECA president added that organisations with strong safety records were recognised during the session.

He said the forum also provided space for stakeholders to discuss challenges hindering the effective implementation of the Act.

NSITF managing director, Oluwaseun Faleye, described the forum as a critical interface linking policy, practice, and performance.

Mr Faleye said it brought together employers, workers, regulators, and development partners to address workplace safety concerns.

“It demonstrates shared commitment to ensuring growth does not compromise worker safety,” he said.

Mr Faleye said productivity must not be anchored on unsafe or exploitative work environments.

“The act makes it clear that no job is worth the life of any worker,” he said.

He added that organisations could not thrive without placing safety at the centre of operations.

“NSITF is committed to simplifying processes, improving service delivery, and supporting employers to meet their obligations,” Mr Faleye said.

He said protecting workers would define Nigeria’s future of work while driving productivity and economic growth. Mr Faleye urged organisations yet to fully embrace safety standards to engage NSITF and NECA.

“The vision is a Nigeria where workers are protected across public and private sectors,” he said.

He said such protection would strengthen resilience, productivity, and sustainable economic growth.

NECA director-general, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said the association’s advocacy went beyond profit considerations. Mr Oyerinde said NECA’s engagements focused on Nigeria’s development and the broader advancement of the African continent.

(NAN)