CSOs Demand Removal of NSITF Bosses Over Alleged Staff Intimidation

A coalition of 37 civil society organisations has called for the removal of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the Chairman of its Board over allegations of staff intimidation and other administrative concerns within the agency.

The groups, under the umbrella of the Coalition of 37 Civil Society Organisations for Transparency, Accountability and Workers’ Rights, said reports of victimisation, poor staff welfare and an increasing number of resignations from the organisation had raised serious concerns about the state of affairs at the Fund.

In a joint statement issued in Abuja, the coalition argued that an institution established to protect the welfare of Nigerian workers should not be linked to allegations of hostile working conditions for its own employees.

“We find it unacceptable that an institution established to protect Nigerian workers is now facing allegations that its own workers are being subjected to pressure, fear and administrative highhandedness,” the group said.

The coalition noted that reports of staff departures from the agency suggested deeper internal challenges that require urgent government intervention.

“The reported exodus of staff is a clear indication that all is not well within the organisation and demands urgent intervention by the Federal Government,” the statement added.

Beyond concerns over staff welfare, the civil society organisations expressed worry over allegations circulating in the public domain regarding the management of the agency.

According to the coalition, the allegations include claims of financial irregularities, the operation of more than 100 bank accounts and a purported N297 billion scandal.

While acknowledging that the allegations remain unproven and subject to investigation, the groups insisted that the issues were too serious to be ignored.

“The Coalition is equally disturbed by several allegations currently in the public domain concerning the management of the NSITF, including reports of financial irregularities, the alleged operation of over one hundred bank accounts and allegations relating to a purported N297 billion scandal. While these allegations remain subject to investigation, their gravity requires immediate action by relevant authorities,” the statement read.

The coalition subsequently called for the immediate removal of the NSITF Managing Director and Board Chairman, a comprehensive forensic audit of the agency and an independent investigation into allegations of staff intimidation and victimisation.

It also urged anti-corruption agencies and lawmakers to step into the matter.

“We call on the EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau and the National Assembly to immediately investigate all allegations surrounding the management of the NSITF,” the coalition stated.

The groups further issued a seven-day ultimatum to the relevant authorities to act on their demands.

“The Coalition hereby issues a seven-day ultimatum to relevant authorities to remove the Managing Director and Chairman of the NSITF and commence a transparent investigation into the affairs of the organisation,” it said.

The coalition warned that failure to take action within the stipulated period would result in continuous nationwide protests at the NSITF headquarters, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the National Assembly and other strategic government institutions.

It maintained that transparency, accountability and competent leadership were essential for institutions charged with protecting workers’ rights and welfare.

The statement was jointly signed by Ibrahim Musa, Emeka Nwankwo and Taiwo Olaniyi.