By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Awka Judicial Division, has delivered a landmark judgment in favour of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), reaffirming the statutory obligations of employers under the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA), 2010.
In a ruling delivered on June 4, 2026, in Suit No. NICN/AWK/56/2025, the court upheld claims brought by the NSITF against the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), declaring that the agency falls within the definition of an employer under the Employees’ Compensation Act.
The court held that ANSIPPA is legally required to make monthly contributions to the Employees’ Compensation Fund, maintain accurate payroll records and comply fully with all provisions of the Act relating to employee compensation and workplace injury protection.
As part of the judgment, the court directed NSITF inspection officers to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the agency to determine its level of compliance with the law.
It further ruled that any liabilities established during the inspection and assessment process would be binding on ANSIPPA and payable in accordance with statutory provisions.
The court also awarded N500,000 in litigation costs against the agency.
The case was prosecuted on behalf of the NSITF by legal practitioner, Onunkwo Petermaximus Emeka.
Labour and legal stakeholders have described the ruling as a significant boost to the enforcement of the Employees’ Compensation Act, which provides compensation and protection for workers against occupational hazards, workplace injuries, disabilities and work-related deaths.
The judgment reaffirmed that all employers covered under the law—including government agencies, public institutions, corporate organisations and private-sector establishments—must comply with mandatory contribution and reporting obligations under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.
Observers say the decision is expected to strengthen the enforcement powers of the NSITF, the federal agency responsible for administering the scheme and protecting workers’ welfare across the country.
Reacting to the judgment, the NSITF Branch Manager in Awka, Barrister Gabriel Akubueze, described the verdict as a major milestone in efforts to ensure employer compliance with labour protection laws.
According to him, the ruling sends a strong message to organisations that have failed to meet their obligations under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, demonstrating that courts can compel non-compliant employers to submit to statutory inspections, assessments and the payment of liabilities established under the law.
Officials of the Fund welcomed the judgment, describing it as a validation of the NSITF’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and strengthening social security mechanisms within Nigeria’s labour sector.
Experts have also hailed the decision, noting that it is likely to serve as an important legal precedent for future enforcement actions aimed at expanding compliance with workers’ compensation requirements and improving workplace safety standards nationwide.
