The Management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, (NSITF), has promised to fastrack payments of claims and benefits due to the injured as well as families and dependants of victims of the Afriland Towers disaster.
“The NSITF was established to provide social security coverage to employees. We stand with you and the affected families at this difficult times, and we assure you that in line with our mandate, all benefits due to the dependants of the deceased workers will be promptly and duly processed.”
The Fund’s management promised at a condolence visit on the management of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS) at its Ikoyi, Lagos office and that of United Capital PLC and dependants of the deceased victims.
The NSITF’s management team, led by the General Manager Compliance, Mr. Abdullateef Musa, who stood in for the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Barrister Olúwaṣeun Faleye, expressed profound condolences to FIRS and the families of the victims. He said the Fund recognised “the depth of this loss, not only to your organisation, but to the bereaved families, colleagues, and the wider community of workers.”
Mr. Abdullateef Musa prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and strength for the families, friends and colleagues. Acknowledging the permanency of the loss of lives, the GM affirmed the Fund’s resolve to “support and stand by the families left behind.”
Responding, Mr Ugwuoke Innocent, an Assistant Director with FIRS, thanked NSITF’s management for identifying with the Service and the families of the victims. He further commended the prompt response of the Fund and the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, (ECS), which ensures enrolled workers and their dependants are not left high and dry in times of emergencies.
Mr. Ugwuoke seized the occasion to advocate for further sensitization to acquaint employers and employees of benefits of enrolling in the Scheme.
The Afriland Towers Fire incident of 16th September, 2025 claimed ten lives aside several injured. Four of the dead were employees of the FIRS while six worked with United Capital PLC.
At the meeting with the management of United Capital PLC and dependants of the deceased employees of the company, the company’s Director of Human Resources, Oluseye Komolafe, lauded the Scheme’s packages and the Fund for efficiency and effective quality service delivery.
Other management staff of the NSITF in the team were, Mr. Tony Eke, General Manager Health, Safety and Environment, (HSE), and Mrs. Nkiru Ede-Ogunnaike, Esq. mni. General Manager Claims.
The fire disaster and the number of victims brings up the need for review of and compliance with existing building safety standards and compliance with the Employees’ Compensation Act.
