From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has pledged to fast-track the payment of claims and benefits to the injured and dependants of those who lost their lives in the tragic Afriland Towers fire incident of Tuesday, September 16, which claimed ten lives and left several others injured.

According to a statement from the NSITF over the weekend, the assurance was given when a delegation from the Fund, led by its General Manager, Compliance, Mr. Abdullateef Musa, paid a condolence visit to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc, both of which lost employees in the fire.

Four of the deceased were staff of FIRS, while six worked with United Capital Plc.

Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, Musa conveyed the Fund’s sympathy to the bereaved organisations and families, and affirmed NSITF’s commitment to stand by them during this difficult time.

“The NSITF was established to provide social security coverage to employees. We stand with you and the affected families at this difficult time and assure you that, in line with our mandate, all benefits due to the dependants of the deceased workers will be promptly and duly processed,” he said.

He noted that the Fund recognised the depth of the loss, describing it as a tragedy that affects not only the organisations but also the wider community of workers.

In his response, an Assistant Director with FIRS, Mr. Ugwuoke Innocent, expressed appreciation for NSITF’s swift response and solidarity, commending the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) for providing a safety net for workers and their families in times of emergencies.

He also called for increased sensitisation to encourage wider employer and employee participation in the scheme.

Similarly, during the Fund’s visit to United Capital Plc, the company’s Director of Human Resources, Mr. Oluseye Komolafe, lauded the NSITF for its efficient service delivery and the robustness of its compensation packages under the ECS.

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