FG Seeks Review of Workers’ Compensation, Says Current Payments No Longer Reflect Reality

• The Federal Government has called for an urgent review of workers’ compensation laws, warning that existing payments are inadequate to support families affected by workplace accidents or death.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for a comprehensive review of workers’ compensation to reflect present economic realities and provide stronger support for families affected by workplace accidents or fatalities.

The call was made on Tuesday in Lagos by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, at the Safe Workplace Intervention Project (SWIP) 2025 Interactive Enlightenment Forum and Awards Ceremony.

The event was organised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

Onyejeocha described the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010 as a cornerstone of the shared responsibility between government and employers to safeguard lives in the workplace. She said the Act places workplace safety as a fundamental obligation, rather than a mere statutory requirement.

According to her, the legislation goes beyond legal compliance, affirming that Nigerian workers matter and that productivity must not be achieved at the expense of safety.

She noted that while the Act guarantees compensation for injured workers and families of the deceased, the existing framework urgently requires review to align with current economic conditions.

The minister expressed concern that compensation paid to families of deceased workers is often inadequate, stressing that this must change to restore dignity and stability to affected households.

Onyejeocha described workplace safety as both a legal and moral obligation, emphasising that prevention remains the most effective approach to occupational safety management.

She added that stronger collaboration among government, employers and workers would ensure labour laws move beyond paper commitments into real and enforceable workplace protection.

According to her, the government will not compromise on safety, disclosing that enforcement of the Factories Act and nationwide workplace inspections are being intensified.

“Job creation must not come at the cost of human lives,” she said, adding that no job is worth the life of a worker.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, urged employers to prioritise workers’ safety through stronger risk management systems and strict compliance with labour laws.

Dingyadi said organisations that prioritise safety would enjoy improved productivity and long-term sustainability, stressing that workplace safety should be seen not as a cost, but as a critical investment in human capital and national development.

He emphasised that sustained collaboration among government, employers and workers is essential to building safer and more inclusive workplaces across the country.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to occupational safety through the enforcement of the Factories Act and the effective implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Act, noting that the policy goal is to ensure every Nigerian worker returns home safely at the end of each working day.

DON’T MISS: FG Opens Applications for 2026 PTDF Overseas Scholarships for UK, Germany, France, Malaysia – Apply

He urged employers to fully embrace the Act by promptly reporting workplace incidents, making appropriate contributions, and investing proactively in safety measures.

Dingyadi also advised workers to remain safety-conscious and take advantage of protections provided under the law.

He commended NSITF and NECA for strengthening social partnership in occupational safety and health implementation, describing the programme as timely in promoting awareness, collaboration and best practices across workplaces.

The minister congratulated award recipients for setting strong safety standards and called on other organisations to align with best practices, urging all stakeholders to recommit to building safer, healthier and more productive workplaces for Nigerian workers.