Walson-Jack tasks NHIA, NSITF on policy implementation for optimal service delivery

Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), has challenged the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) on policy implementation for optimal service delivery.

She gave the charge in Abuja on Tuesday at the opening of a two-day workshop organised by her office for desk officers of the two agencies.

She said the task is to ensure that civil servants benefit optimally from the programmes and services offered by the two institutions.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Mrs Patience Onyekunle, the HCSF said the workshop was aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and fostering synergy among key social protection institutions.

She emphasised the need to deepen understanding of operational guidelines and align implementation with Federal Government’s drive to improve the welfare of public servants.

She added that “the NSITF and NHIA play critical roles in Nigeria’s evolving social protection landscape.

“While NSITF is mandated to provide social security protection, including compensation for occupational hazards, NHIA is responsible for access to quality and affordable healthcare through insurance.”

She explained that the workshop sought to build capacity of desk officers to improve service delivery and ensure civil servants benefit optimally from the institutions’ programmes.

She added that “the event aims to enhance understanding of revised guidelines, clarify agency roles, harmonise procedures and strengthen data management, documentation and beneficiary engagement.”

Walson-Jack described desk officers as the “operational backbone” of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), adding that inconsistent interpretation of guidelines had led to inefficiencies and poor coordination in the past.

She urged participants to fully engage, ask questions and apply lessons learnt to improve service delivery across MDAs.

The Managing Director of NSITF, Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, said the workshop was timely, aimed at improving awareness of employee entitlements under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).

Represented by Mrs Nkiru Ogunaike, the General Manager, Claims and Compensation Department, Faleye said the ECS, backed by the Employees’ Compensation Act of 2010, covers injuries, occupational diseases, disabilities and death in the course of work, including accidents during commuting.
He said “we have processed and paid over 136,000 claims since inception.

“These include disability, death, rehabilitation and prosthesis, with some families receiving up to N1.2 million monthly until the last child turns 21.”

He acknowledged concerns about delays in accessing benefits and assured that steps were being taken to reduce bureaucracy.

Faleye noted the establishment of a dedicated desk within the office of the HCSF to ensure timely response and resolution of claims.

On his part, Mr Sylvester Abba, Assistant Director at NHIA, said the workshop was an opportunity to re-educate desk officers who serve as key links between NHIA and public servants.

He said enrollees under NHIA are entitled to primary and secondary care, including referrals, adding that dependents and children are also covered.

“Desk officers must be aware of the rights of enrollees, including name and facility changes and be ready to provide guidance on these entitlements. Feedback mechanisms are available for any dissatisfaction with care,” he said.

Abba stressed the importance of quick response by accredited facilities and urged participants to educate enrollees on their rights and responsibilities.

Earlier, Mr Idris Aminu, the Deputy Director, Occupational Health, Safety and Environment in the office of the HCSF, said “the workshop aligns with ongoing reforms under the new NHIA Act 2022 and implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Act.”

He said both Acts formed the backbone of government’s social protection programmes and called on desk officers to understand their strategic roles.

Aminu added that “this workshop is more than a formality. It is a capacity-building initiative aligned with public sector reforms for transparency, efficiency and citizen-focused service delivery.”

He, therefore, urged participants to take full advantage of the workshop and return to their duty posts better equipped to support implementation and compliance.

Our correspondent reports that the theme for the workshop is “Bridging the gap
Between Policy and Practice in Implementation of NHIA Act 2022 and Employee Compensation Act of NSITF.”