By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to personnel welfare and protection, with the commencement of a three-day sensitisation programme on the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS), in collaboration with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, stated this at the opening ceremony of the programme organised to educate insurance desk officers and personnel on the onboarding process, coverage and benefits of the scheme.
According to an official statement signed by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, the Commandant General was represented at the event by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Technical Services, DCG Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, fdc.
Audi said the welfare, safety and protection of personnel remained a top priority of his administration, noting that officers and men of the Corps were exposed to occupational hazards, injuries and other risks in the course of carrying out their statutory responsibilities.
He explained that the NSCDC’s responsibilities in protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, safeguarding lives and property, disaster management and emergency response made it imperative to provide adequate protection for personnel and their families.
“The Employees’ Compensation Scheme is a significant intervention designed to provide compensation and support to employees who suffer work-related injuries, disabilities, occupational diseases or death in the course of employment,” he said.
The Commandant General added that beyond its financial benefits, the scheme served as an important social protection mechanism that promoted dignity, security and confidence among workers and their families.
The Managing Director of NSITF, Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, commended Audi for placing personnel welfare at the forefront of his administration, disclosing that the Corps had, since 2024, made steady commitments towards implementing the scheme in collaboration with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
Earlier, the Deputy Commandant in charge of the Insurance Unit, Dr. Jimoh Abiola, described the sensitisation and onboarding programme as timely and strategic, saying it would deepen personnel’s understanding of the scheme’s coverage, eligibility requirements, benefits, obligations and claims procedures.
She explained that the programme was designed as a train-the-trainers initiative, with participants drawn from state commands, zonal commands and the National Headquarters expected to transfer the knowledge acquired to other personnel.
A major highlight of the programme was the presentation of cheques totalling N87,455,217 to beneficiaries under the Group Life Insurance benefits.
Awards of Excellence were also presented to deserving NSCDC personnel and stakeholders in recognition of their contributions and distinguished service.
The programme featured goodwill messages from stakeholders, including the Office of the Head of Service, Cornerstone Insurance Plc and Fengate Insurance Brokers.
