Abuja: The President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, has warned that gaps in Nigeria’s Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) risk undermining the country’s obligations under International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, even as global data shows 2.8 million workers die annually from workplace accidents and 374 million sustain non‑fatal injuries.
The ECA empowers the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to compensate injured workers, support the families of deceased employees, and rehabilitate accident victims.
Speaking at the NSITF engagement with legal stakeholders in Abuja on Monday, Kanyip raised concerns about Section 33 of the ECA, which provides for employers who fail to remit their employees’ contributions.
According to the Justice, it remains unclear whether affected workers can sue such employers for statutory negligence.
Kanyip noted that workplace injuries are now common, adding that Nigeria is obligated under ILO conventions to prevent and compensate for such incidents.
According to him, Nigeria ratified key ILO conventions on occupational safety in 1994 and 2022.
The Justice warned that failure to compensate all victims of workplace injuries undermines Nigeria’s commitments under the conventions.
He said national policy clearly states that occupational safety protections apply to all workers in both formal and informal sectors.
Kanyip thanked NSITF for initiating the engagement, organised to discuss improving the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).
Earlier, the Managing Director of NSITF, Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, said workplace safety and social protection are foundational to national development.
According to him, workplace safety and social protection strengthen economic productivity, human dignity and national stability.
He added that protecting workers guarantees prosperity for employers and safeguards the nation’s future.
Faleye said the conference theme aligns with efforts to strengthen legal frameworks that ensure social insurance for workers who sustain injuries, diseases, or death on duty.
He added that prevention of workplace hazards remains a central mandate of the Fund.
According to him, in the International Labour Organisation (ILO) data, there are over 2.8 million workers who die annually from workplace accidents, while 374 million sustain non-fatal injuries.
He said a lack of proper data, high-risk sectors and weak adherence to safety rules worsen Nigeria’s challenges.
Faleye explained that the ECA has improved the administration of compensation but requires updates to address emerging realities.