The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), alongside around 25 employers’ federations, has strongly opposed the Senate’s proposed amendments to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Act. They argue the changes threaten the Fund’s governance, weaken transparency, and open the door to undue political influence. In a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and endorsed by bodies including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the groups pledged to resist the amendment by all lawful means. They warned that any reduction of employer and labour voices in NSITF’s management, replaced by expanded government appointments, would undermine the Fund’s foundational balance.
The Senate’s proposed change, backed by the Senate Committee on Labour and Employment under Senator Diket Plang, intends to revise the composition and authority of the NSITF board. But the OPSN cautioned the move would marginalise key stakeholders and politicise social insurance administration. Referencing Nigeria’s ratification of ILO Conventions on social security and tripartite consultation, the OPSN insisted that NSITF must be run with active engagement of contributors and beneficiaries to maintain legitimacy and accountability.
They urged President Bola Tinubu and Senate leadership to call off the amendment and instead dedicate attention to passing the long-pending Nigeria Labour Law Bill, which they say would do more to promote industrial harmony and strengthen labour relations nationwide. If you like, I can also prepare a shorter “social-media teaser” or adjust tone (formal, activist, moderate) for your platform.
