Industrial court president raises concerns over Employees Compensation Act
National Industrial Court President Benedict Kanyip highlighted ambiguities within the Employees' Compensation Act (ECA), specifically regarding the recourse available to workers when employers fail to remit contributions to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). Speaking at a forum organized by the NSITF, Kanyip questioned if workers could sue employers for negligence in such instances. He emphasized Nigeria's obligations under ILO conventions to prevent and compensate workplace injuries, noting the failure to compensate undermines these commitments. NSITF Managing Director Oluwaseun Faleye underscored the importance of workplace safety and social protection for national development, citing alarming global statistics on workplace fatalities and injuries. He acknowledged that while the ECA has improved compensation administration, updates are needed to address current challenges, urging legal stakeholders to prioritize social protection and avoid technicalities when interpreting the law.
