Reps Summon Labour Minister Over Failure to Inaugurate NSITF Board

Labour Minister Faces Reps Over NSITF Board Delay

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, to appear before it regarding his failure to inaugurate the board of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

A petition filed by the Help Foundation, a non-governmental organization, raised concerns over the prolonged delay. Obasi-Pherson, a representative of the NGO, highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had appointed a Managing Director for the Fund but had yet to name and inaugurate the board months later.

“This is a huge aberration as the absence of the board is giving way to a wide range of illegalities in the running of the agency’s affairs,” the petition stated.

Committee Demands Answers

Reacting to the complaint, committee chairman Mike Etaba emphasized the importance of Minister Dingyadi appearing in person to clarify the situation.

“The government is being indicted, so it is only logical that the Minister clears the air on the matter,” he said.

The committee has also summoned the Managing Director of NSITF, Faleye Mayomi, in response to a petition alleging violations of project clearance regulations within the agency.

Call for Transparency in NSITF Operations

The petitioners, Advancement of Social Justice and Economic Development Initiative (ASJEDI), claim that certain actions by the agency contradict its mandate.

“Our role is to serve Nigerians efficiently and ensure that the right thing is done. Inviting the CEO allows him to provide further clarity on the issues at hand,” Etaba added.