A coalition of 37 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has raised concerns over alleged staff intimidation, victimisation and growing resignations within the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), calling for urgent intervention by the Federal Government to address what it described as a worsening workplace crisis.
The coalition, operating under the banner of the Coalition of 37 Civil Society Organisations for Transparency, Accountability and Workers’ Rights, said reports of increasing staff departures from the agency point to deeper institutional challenges that require immediate attention.
In a joint statement issued in Abuja, the group expressed concern that an organisation established to protect the interests of Nigerian workers is now facing allegations of creating an environment allegedly characterised by fear, pressure and administrative high-handedness.
“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 coalition stated.
According to the group, the reported exodus of employees suggests that all may not be well within the agency and underscores the need for an independent assessment of staff welfare and workplace conditions.
“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.
The coalition noted that the allegations, if left unaddressed, could undermine employee morale and public confidence in an institution charged with safeguarding the welfare of Nigerian workers.
Beyond concerns over staff welfare, the CSOs also referenced allegations currently circulating in the public domain regarding the management of the NSITF. These include claims of financial irregularities, the alleged operation of more than 100 bank accounts and reports of a purported N297 billion scandal.
While acknowledging that the allegations remain unproven and subject to investigation, the coalition maintained that their seriousness warrants scrutiny by relevant authorities.
“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 said.
The group called for an independent investigation into the alleged intimidation and victimisation of staff, as well as a comprehensive forensic audit of the agency’s operations.
It also demanded the removal of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NSITF and the Chairman of the agency’s Board, arguing that such a step would help restore confidence in the institution while investigations are conducted.
The coalition further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the Fund.
In addition, it called on anti-corruption agencies and lawmakers to investigate all allegations surrounding the organisation.
“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 said.
The CSOs issued a seven-day ultimatum to the President and other relevant authorities to act on their demands, warning that failure to do so would trigger a series of peaceful nationwide protests.
“The Coalition hereby issues a seven-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and relevant authorities to remove the Managing Director and Chairman of the NSITF and commence a transparent investigation into the affairs of the organisation,” the statement added.
The coalition said any failure to address the concerns raised would leave it with no option but to embark on continuous peaceful demonstrations at the NSITF headquarters, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the National Assembly and other strategic government institutions.
It stressed that Nigerian workers deserve institutions that uphold transparency, accountability and respect for workers’ rights, insisting that urgent action is required to restore confidence in the agency.
The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Ibrahim Musa, National Coordinator of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Accountability and Good Governance (COCSAGG); Chief Emeka Nwankwo, Director of Public Affairs of the National Alliance for Transparency and Protection of Workers’ Rights (NATPWR); and Ambassador Taiwo Olaniyi, National Coordinator of the Civil Society Alliance Against Corruption and Abuse of Office (CSAACAO).
