News
FG issues Circular on Mandatory Employees’ Compensation Contributions by MDA’s
- As ASSBIFI Commends NSITF’s MD
The Federal Government has issued a circular for the commencement of the mandatory contributions of 1% of the emoluments of all public servants to the Employees’ Compensation Scheme of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund(NSITF)
The Federal Government through a circular dated September 22, 2023 and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief George Akume and copied to all Arms of the Federal Government and agencies under them, recalled that the Extraordinary Session of Federal Executive Council under President Buhari had on Monday, May 15, 2023 given approval for statutory 1% e-deduction from the total emoluments of the Federal Public Servants as Employee Compensation contributions, with effect from January 2023.
The circular stated that the Minister of Finance is directed to “deduct the contributions from source and remit same to the NSITF for the payment of claims and compensations to deserving beneficiaries for death, injury, disease or disability sustained in the course of duty as provided in the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010, Act No. 13.” It further directed all ministries, departments and agencies to “ensure strict compliance with the circular.”
Breaking the news on the Federal Government Circular while on an official visit to the new office, housing the Abuja Region and FCT Branch of the Fund in the Maitama area, Friday, the Managing Director of the NSITF, Barr. Maureen Allagoa eulogised the bold decision of the Federal Government, saying that the Fund has further been energised to deliver on its responsibilities to the Nigerian workers.
She said, “yesterday, we received a circular from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, making it compulsory for 1% contribution from the total emoluments of public servants to be compulsorily remitted to the NSITF in view of the Employees’ Compensation Act.
“This is a giant plus to our charge as the nation’s core social security agency as it will give a big push to the momentum of our operations in their ramifications. There shall be no excuses on our own part in fully keying into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government. The effort is collective and we shall not rest on our oars until we reach out to all Nigerian workers whether in the formal or informal sector.”
She also stated that the fact that the current Federal Government has taken this “bold and great step means we are moving in the right direction.” Observing that the urgency given to securing a new office for the Abuja region and the FCT branch was in line with her commitment to decent work, Allagoa re-assured the workers of “rights at work, human dignity, social protection and dialogue in line with the Decent Work Agenda of the International Labour Organisation.”
“We have gone round and observed some challenges which will be tackled forthwith. Staff should feel comfortable, your welfare is key because once we get the staff welfare correct, everything falls in place in terms of performance.
“Earlier in the year, some buses were procured and sent to offices in each region to ease operations. And recently, we received another batch of ten buses for distribution while the rest will come at the end of the year.
“To further boost morale, management is putting together a reward package for those staff who personally and collectively distinguish themselves in the performance of duty. The measure will spur others on.
“Besides, we are working out a new three-tier structure for MPR. First is the monthly online engagement with branch and regional managers to keep track of their performance, then the quarterly regional MPR – where two or three regions will be brought together at a centre with delegates sent from the head office and finally, the biannual MPR.” She equally commended the staff of the Abuja region and the branch for their sterling performance in meeting up with their targets. Allago was accompanied on the visit by the Executive Director, Finance, Adegoke Adedeji who urged staff members to remain resilient, General Manager, Compliance, Kabir Maaji, General Manager, Jonah Nedamanya among others.
In a response to the address of the Managing Director, the domestic chapter of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions(ASSBIFI) extolled Allagoa for her deep commitment to the Decent Work and steadfastness to social dialogue in the resolution of disputes .
ASSIBFI who spoke through its Abuja Region’s Public Relations officer, Godwin Ekpa assured her of the support of the workers in her effort to re-engineer the fund.
He went further, “I want to start by recognising the fact that your management showed promptness in relocating the Abuja region and the FCT branch to this new office when we raised alarm of over the condition of the former office. And for you to visit us here in less than three weeks we re-located, demonstrates the extent you care for the staff.” He further lauded the equitable manner the result of the last CTB examination was handled and further urged that the sense of justice be brought in determining the fate of others who sat for the management examination last year.
Similarly, the Abuja Regional Acting Manager, Alexandra Mede said the distinction which the Managing Director brought in the discharge of her responsibilities since appointment, has marked her out as a listening and competent team leader, while Sample Ogbonna of the FCT branch said the new office accommodation has set his branch on a pedestal for optimum performance.
President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ceremony followed the Senate’s confirmation of Amupitan’s appointment last week after a rigorous screening session on October 16.
At the swearing-in, President Tinubu tasked Amupitan with safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and strengthening INEC’s institutional capacity.
“As the chairman of INEC, your nomination and confirmation reflect the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and legislative arms of government. This marks the start of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust you will approach your duties with integrity, dedication, and patriotism,” Tinubu said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s democratic progress over 25 years, the President emphasized the need for continuous innovation and reform to maintain free, fair, and credible elections. He urged Amupitan to ensure transparency and public trust throughout the entire electoral process—from voter registration and campaigning to voting and counting.
Amupitan, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), arrived at the State House on Thursday dressed in traditional white agbada and gold cap ahead of the formal ceremony. He was accompanied by presidential aides.
During his Senate screening, the 58-year-old nominee pledged to restore credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process by prioritizing reforms, including strengthening the Electoral Act to resolve inconsistencies in election timelines and enhance transparency.
“We must conduct elections where even the loser congratulates the winner fairly,” Amupitan told senators, emphasizing the need to rebuild voter confidence.
He also clarified his neutrality by denying any involvement in President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petitions Court, stating, “I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any party.”
Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the sixth substantive INEC chairman since the commission’s establishment. He is expected to immediately begin the transition process at INEC headquarters in Abuja following his swearing-in.
Profile
Born on April 25, 1967, the 58-year-old Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He is also an alumnus of the university.
He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.
After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.
Amupitan earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.
He currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).
Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).
Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013) and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).
He is married and has four children.
Dangote Group has denied owning the truck that crushed a pregnant woman, a child, and six others to death in an accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The company issued the clarification in a statement on its X account on Wednesday.
The statement followed reports that a cement-laden truck suffered brake failure and rammed into traders and other road users.
Reacting, Dangote Group said the truck involved in the tragic incident does not belong to the group or any of its subsidiaries.
It added that vehicle registration records confirm the truck is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group.
“Dangote Group has refuted reports circulating on social media and in some online platforms linking it to a truck involved in a road accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“The company wishes to make it categorically clear that the truck involved in the unfortunate incident does not belong to Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries.
“Verified vehicle registration details confirm that the truck with Plate No. JJJ 365 XB is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group,” the statement reads.
News
VIDEO: Sowore Arrested at Federal High Court Premises, Abuja, After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu.
“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.
Police operatives have arrested former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Sowore was forcibly taken away by armed police officers from the Federal High Court premises in Abuja on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after attending the court session of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, who has been leading campaigns for Kanu’s release, was confronted by security operatives who insisted he accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the officers surrounded him moments after he exited the courtroom, refusing to disclose specific details about his alleged offence.
When questioned by onlookers, one of the policemen stated that they were acting on the directive of the FCT Commissioner of Police.
“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.
As of the time of filing this report, the reason for Sowore’s arrest and his current whereabouts remain unclear.
Credit: Punch
Benue Governor Alia dissolves Lobi Stars FC board
BREAKING: Tinubu swears in Amupitan as new INEC Chair
Dangote denies owning truck that killed eight in Ondo accident
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Crime3 days agoIndonesia to Repatriate British Grandmother on Death Row, Says Official
-
News3 days agoCustoms Launch Digital Vehicle Verification Platform to Combat Smuggling
-
News3 days agoMoniepoint Managers Break Silence on $200M ‘Miraculous’ Fundraise Backed by DPI, Google, Visa, IFC & LeapFrog
-
Crime11 hours agoBREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Sacks All Lawyers, To Represent Himself
-
Business8 hours agoDangote denies owning truck that killed eight in Ondo accident
-
Business2 days agoHow to Market and Sell Real Estate in Nigeria as a New Agent
-
News7 hours agoBREAKING: Tinubu swears in Amupitan as new INEC Chair
-
Sports1 day agoDavido Chairs Osun Sports Trust Fund