Abuja, October 5, 2023 – In a demonstration of his commitment to addressing concerns related to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Bako Lalong, has officially launched a fact-finding committee tasked with investigating various issues within the organization. The committee is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.
During the inauguration of the committee, Minister Lalong emphasized the government’s recognition of the pivotal role played by the NSITF in ensuring the social security of Nigerian workers. He pledged to tackle any challenges hindering the organization’s optimal performance, aligning it with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to enhance the welfare of Nigerian workers.
Among the terms of reference for the committee are investigations into alleged irregularities in the execution of contracts valued at 1.8 billion naira, self-payment of gratuities to the Managing Director/Chief Executive while in service, non-release of promotions, and irregular employments. These concerns had been raised in various petitions submitted to the Minister’s office.
Minister Lalong urged the committee members to carry out their assignment with impartiality and without fear or favor, emphasizing the importance of resisting any attempts to intimidate, harass, or influence their findings. He set a deadline of two weeks for the submission of their report.
Speaking earlier during the event, Mrs. Mabel Erastus, the Director of Administration at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, who stood in for the acting Permanent Secretary, noted that the committee’s membership comprised individuals from various Directorates of the Ministry.
In response, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Isaac Okehe, who also serves as the Director of Finance and Accounts, pledged the committee’s dedication to fulfilling its national assignment to the best of their abilities.
In a separate engagement at the Ministry, Minister Lalong received members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU), who paid him a courtesy visit. The President of JOHESU expressed their congratulations to the Minister and sought his support in addressing several issues that have been approved but remain pending in terms of implementation.
One of the prominent issues raised during the visit was the salary adjustment for health workers under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which has not been implemented for over a decade since its approval. The President of JOHESU called on the Minister, as the Chief Conciliator, to invoke immediate action by the Presidential Committee on Salaries, which possesses the authority to push for the implementation of the salary adjustment.
The Minister expressed his appreciation for their visit and assured them of his commitment to resolving the matter amicably. He directed an immediate conciliatory meeting to be conducted by the Department of Trade Union Services, which commenced promptly after the visit.
The inauguration of the fact-finding committee and the discussions with JOHESU members reflect Minister Simon Bako Lalong’s dedication to addressing pertinent labor-related issues in Nigeria, underscoring the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare and the effective functioning of key organizations like NSITF.
