By Nkechi Eze
The Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, Esq., has urged the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to ensure prompt remittance of its operating surplus to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) in strict compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007.
Muruako made the call during a presentation by the NSITF, Abuja Region, on the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) to officials of the Commission at the FRC Headquarters in Abuja. The session focused on strengthening collaboration between both institutions in promoting fiscal prudence and enhancing social protection programmes.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Strategic Communications, FRC, Bede Anyanwu, the FRC boss commended the NSITF for its vital role in safeguarding Nigerian workers through social security and compensation initiatives. He, however, stressed that adherence to fiscal discipline and transparency remains the foundation for achieving sustainable national development.
“Our oversight mandate is not punitive,” Muruako said. “It is designed to strengthen transparency, fiscal prudence, and corporate governance across all government-owned enterprises. We urge the NSITF to continue aligning its operations with these standards while improving service delivery to Nigerian workers and employers.”
He further reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fostering stronger inter-agency collaboration, noting that institutions like the NSITF play a critical role in promoting social welfare and inclusive economic growth. “The Fiscal Responsibility Commission will continue to provide the needed guidance to ensure that social protection agencies operate within the framework of fiscal responsibility, reinforcing accountability, trust, and efficiency in public financial management,” he added.
Responding, the leader of the NSITF delegation, Mr. Bello Collins, reaffirmed the Fund’s dedication to ensuring workplace safety, employee welfare, and rehabilitation under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme. He emphasized that the prevention of workplace injuries remains the core objective of the programme.
“No one wants to sustain an injury or lose a life while working,” Collins stated. “That is why the NSITF continues to prioritize occupational safety and health awareness as a key part of its mandate.”
He outlined several ongoing initiatives of the Fund, including routine workplace inspections by Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) officers to ensure compliance with safety standards; nationwide Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) awareness campaigns reaching over 25,000 employers; collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) under the Safety at Work Intervention Project (SWIP); and participation in the ongoing amendment process of the National Safety and Health Council Bill at the National Assembly.
Collins noted that these efforts underscore the NSITF’s broader vision of building a socially secure, economically empowered, and fiscally responsible Nigeria—fully aligned with national safety policies and the Fiscal Responsibility framework.
