Cover

Renowned Legal Practitioner Exposes BPP Officials in Billions Corruption Scandal

Published

2 months ago

November 28, 2025

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has announced plans to stage mass protests at the National Assembly and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) office, alleging that BPP Director General Dr Adebowale Adedokun and his chief of staff, Mr Olarewaju Obasa, received kickbacks totaling billions of naira through over 50 bank accounts. The CSOs are demanding accountability and transparency in the BPP’s operations, citing concerns over alleged corruption and mismanagement.

According to the national coordinator of the Coalition, Comrade Haruna AbdulSalam the plan protests are in response to a petition filed by a renowned legal practitioner, Musa Aliyu to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), exposing fraudulent activities and corruption by the accused officials.

The petition which was sighted by this media platform alleged that the BPP under the leadership of Dr Adedokun and Mr Obasa has been fundamentally compromised , issuing of certificate of NO objections has been brazenly monetized becoming a personal meal ticket used to seek gratifications in billions reportedly facilitated by a complex financial network

The CSOs are demanding immediate investigation and prosecution of Dr. ADEDOKUN and Mr. OBASA, citing overwhelming evidence of their wrongdoing.

This development comes amid growing concerns over corruption and mismanagement of public funds in Nigeria. The coalition’s action is seen as a bold move to hold government officials accountable and ensure transparency in public procurement processes

The BPP, established by the Public Procurement Act 2007, is responsible for regulating and overseeing public procurement in Nigeria “

T h e Executive Chairman
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

Dear Sir,
BUREAU O F PUBLIC PROCUREMENT – A CITADEL OF CURRUPTION UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF DR. ADEBOWALE ADEDOKUN, T H E NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTOR-GENERAL, A N D H I S C H I E F O F STAFF, M R . OLANREWAJU O B A S A – A PETITION FO R ALLEGED CORRUPTION AND ABUSE O F OFFICE.

I N T R O D U C T I O N

As a concerned citizen and a loyal party member of the All Progressives Congress
who has invested precious time and resources over the years to ensure the victory of Mr. President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his herculean task of establishing a solid foundation for good governance in our dear country Nigeria. Premised on the above abstract, I hereby respectfully submit this petition to your organization, statutorily charged with the responsibility of conducting an urgent and independent investigation into a series of alleged irregular series of criminal manipulation of procurement processes, such as issuance of Certificate of No Objection in favour of over-invoicing over-padded bids for monetary gratification attributed to Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, the Director General, and Mr Olanrewaju Obasa, Chief
of Staff to the Director General, who is also a staff member closely associated with
him. The alleged kickbacks so far received by the duo runs to billions of naira through over 50 bank accounts.

The urgency of this petition stems from alarming reports that the Bureau of Public
Procurement (BPP), under the leadership of Dr. Adedokun and Mr. Obasa, has been
fundamentally compromised. It is alleged that the critical public function of issuing Certificates of N o Objection has been brazenly monetized, becoming a personal “meal ticket” used to solicit gratification amounting to billions of Naira. This scheme is reportedly facilitated by a complex financial network, with over 50 bank accounts opened and maintained by the duo to obscure the origin and flow of these illicit
funds

The concerns raised herein are based on credible information received from
individuals within the procurement and contracting ecosystem. While I do not
presume to determine guilt, the nature of these allegations and their potential
implications for transparency, due process, and public trust necessitate thorough
scrutiny.

Alleged Negotiation of Payments Before Issuance of Certificates of No
Objection:

Several contractors and government agencies have alleged that the Director General
directly contacts vendors and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to
negotiate payments on behalf of ministries before issuing Certificates of No
Objection. In some cases, it is claimed that demands of up to 15% of contract sums
were made as a condition for processing or approving certificates. If true, such
practices undermine the integrity of the procurement process and violate due
process principles.

Specific Allegation Involving CGC Construction Company Limited:
According to reports, a staff member of CGC Construction Company, identified as
Mr Kelvin, a representative of the company, was allegedly pressured to make a
substantial payment before a Certificate of No Objection could be issued for a
project under the Federal Ministry of Works. The sum involved is reported to be
N300,000,000 (Three Hundred Million Naira). I respectfully request that this
specific incidents be reviewed, as it may provide an audit trail for investigators to
follow.
Allegations Regarding Certificates of No Objection:

In some instances, the DG and his COS demand forex from contractors or MDAs
before issuing No Objection Certificates. In other instances, the DG appointed a
personal consultant to negotiate kickbacks on behalf of his principal, and most of
these bribes are paid in cash or in forex.

Alleged Use of Personal or Connected Companies in Procurement-
Related Activities:
It has been alleged that Mr. Olanrewaju Obasa, purportedly the Chief of Staff to the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, operates entities such as:

Raboni Global Services Limited
⁠Sevenoaks Project Limited

Mr Obasa Olanrewaju is reportedly a signatory to the accounts of these
aforementioned companies and has influenced the award of several contracts to
them in various government agencies. Investigators are urged to verify whether
these companies have participated in BPP-supervised processes, to determine if any conflicts of interest exist, and to further establish the extent of contract awards facilitated by Mr Obasa’s involvement.
Attached are the account numbers reportedly associated with Mr Obasa Olanrewaju personally, and with the companies:

SEVENOAKS
PROJECT LIMITED
STERLING
BANK
0085590594 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
SEVENOAKS
PROJECT LIMITED
STERLING
BANK
0086784945 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
SEVENOAKS
PROJECT LIMITED
STERLING
BANK
0086785124 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
STERLING
BANK
0090363277 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
STERLING
BANK
0079842524 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
These account numbers are purported to be linked to both Mr Obasa’s personal use
and the listed companies.

Alleged Receipt of Vehicles and Other Items from Contractors:

There are allegations regarding the receipt of luxury vehicles, including a
bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser and a Toyota Prado Jeep(picture attached
herewith), as well as additional inducements from contractors. Further allegations suggest that certain bank accounts may have been used to receive payments in both naira and U.S. dollars. I request a comprehensive forensic review of these transactions.

It is important to note that the Bureau of Public Procurement did not allocate funds
for these vehicles in its annual budget. If the Office did procure them, evidence of
purchase should be provided. Additionally, the Director General should clarify how
he acquired a luxury vehicle valued at N500,000,000.00 shortly after assuming
office.
A preliminary review suggests the Director General’s total income since taking office
does not justify such high-value acquisitions. Ongoing activities involving Mr. Adedokun, including the construction of multiple personal properties in Abuja,
further raise questions about the source of funding for these projects and purchases.
A review of the relevant bank accounts is recommended.

BANK NAME ACCOUNT NUMBER
ACCESS BANK 1211605299
0039359843
1211690778
0000348777
1211603343
0022912531
1205591474
0015583041
0015506668
0015571978
0039276355
0039342191
0039358925
1211573789
0022898983
1534153608
0039285599
0036079004
0027530163
0739608229
MONIEPOINT 5493459507
STANDARD CHARTERED 0004448777
MONIEPOINT 5629451270
ECO 0312022993
ZENITH 1000793776
STANBIC IBTC 6036803184
STANDARD CHARTERED 5000348789
GTB 0142792499
0681477978
0168493163
0023682200
0168493379
0022815531
0168754192
0025303859
0706336491
0677290666
0022815555
0022815548
0023682190
0604232589
STANDARD CHARTED 0092265504
0022912551
0022898387
6006716020
5006045440
0066716013
5006045479
5006045455
0006000275
STANBIC IBTC 0033851218
0021886110
ZENITH BANK 2000822505
GTB 0023684857
0052876218
STANBIC IBTC 0021903563
0021885704
ACCESS 0092265504
1211651629
1799272577
1797052528
1800170209
0027419602
0034483849
1119623041
1119684428
1211570740
1211684432
008824035
0023887759
1719527240
00285903777
0064758324
1800252848
1778945302

I am aware that the law does not stipulate or limit the number of bank accounts that
may be opened and maintained by individuals, however, having over 50 bank
accounts as a public servant in charge of a sensitive federal agency invokes a moral
burden upon concerned citizens and regulatory bodies to launch an investigation
into the activities of those accounts.
There are over 100 bank accounts suspected of being used for kickbacks or illicit
financial activities, spread across various banks. This indicates a highly organised
attempt to hide the origins and movement of these funds. Using such a large number of accounts typically aims to M U S A A L I Y

Address: No. 1 Herbert Macaulay Way, Wuse, Abuja – Phone: +234 8081 12 6685
T h e Executive Chairman
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
R E C E I V E D 2 4 ! An
Plot 301/302, Institution and Research Cadastral District
Jabi, Abuja.
А м и
Sign •****
RECEPTION
Dear Sir,
BUREAU O F PUBLIC PROCUREMENT – A CITADEL OF
CURRUPTION UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF DR. ADEBOWALE
ADEDOKUN, T H E NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTOR-GENERAL,
A N D H I S C H I E F O F STAFF, M R . OLANREWAJU O B A S A – A
PETITION FO R ALLEGED CORRUPTION AND ABUSE O F OFFICE.

I N T R O D U C T I O N
As a concerned citizen and a loyal party member of the All Progressives Congress
who has invested precious time and resources over the years to ensure the victory of Mr. President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his herculean task of establishing a solid foundation for good governance in our dear country Nigeria. Premised on the above abstract, I hereby respectfully submit this petition to your organization, statutorily charged with the responsibility of conducting an urgent and independent investigation into a series of alleged irregular series of criminal manipulation of procurement processes, such as issuance of Certificate of No Objection in favour of over-invoicing over-padded bids for monetary gratification attributed t o Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, the Director General, and Mr Olanrewaju Obasa, Chief of Staff to the Director General, who is also a staff member closely associated with him. The alleged kickbacks so far received by the duo runs to billions of naira
through over 50 bank accounts.

Alleged Negotiation of Payments Before Issuance of Certificates of No
Objection:

Specific Allegation Involving CGC Construction Company Limited:
According to reports, a staff member of CGC Construction Company, identified as
Mr Kelvin, a representative of the company, was allegedly pressured to make a
substantial payment before a Certificate of No Objection could be issued for a
project under the Federal Ministry of Works. The sum involved is reported to be
N300,000,000 (Three Hundred Million Naira).

I respectfully request that this
specific incident be reviewed, as it may provide an audit trail for investigators to
follow.

Allegations Regarding Certificates of No Objection:

Alleged Use of Personal or Connected Companies in Procurement-

Related Activities:
It has been alleged that Mr. Olanrewaju Obasa, purportedly the Chief of Staff to the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, operates entities such as:

Raboni Global Services Limited
Sevenoaks Project Limited
Mr Obasa Olanrewaju is reportedly a signatory to the accounts of these
aforementioned companies and has influenced the award of several contracts to
them in various government agencies. Investigators are urged to verify whether
these companies have participated in BPP-supervised processes, to determine if any conflicts of interest exist, and to further establish the extent of contract awards facilitated by Mr Obasa’s involvement.

Attached are the account numbers reportedly associated with Mr Obasa
Olanrewaju personally, and with the companies:

DETAILS OF THE COMPANY ACCOUNTS RUN BY BOTH
ADEDOKUN AND OBASA FOR THEIR SYNDICATE ACTIVITIES IN
THE BPP
COMPANY BANK ACCOUNT
NUMBER
ACCOUNT NAME
RABONI GLOBAL
SERVICES
LIMITED
GTB 0161844632
RABONI FIXED
DEPOSIT
ACCOUNT
GTB 0159974697
GTB 0373806295 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0375281089 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0370698491 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0373806305 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0384682064 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0025366670 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
ACCESS 0047879845 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
ACCESS 0067314499 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
ACCESS 1156444933 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
ACCESS 1156444933 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
SEVENOAKS
PROJECT LIMITED
STERLING
BANK
0085590594 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
SEVENOAKS
PROJECT LIMITED
STERLING
BANK
0086784945 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
SEVENOAKS
PROJECT LIMITED
STERLING
BANK
0086785124 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
STERLING
BANK
0090363277 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
STERLING
BANK
0079842524 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU

These account numbers are purported to be linked to both Mr Obasa’s personal use
and the listed companies.

Alleged Receipt of Vehicles and Other Items from Contractors:

A preliminary review suggests the Director General’s total income since taking office
does not justify such high-value acquisitions. Ongoing activities involving Mr. Adedokun, including the construction of multiple personal properties in Abuja, further raise questions about the source of funding for these projects and purchases.
A review of the relevant bank accounts is recommended.

MONIEPOINT 5493459507

STANDARD CHARTERED 0004448777

MONIEPOINT 5629451270

ECO 0312022993

ZENITH 1000793776

STANBIC IBTC 6036803184

STANDARD CHARTERED 5000348789

GTB 0142792499
0681477978
0168493163
0023682200
0168493379
0022815531
0168754192
0025303859
0706336491
0677290666
0022815555
0022815548
0023682190
0604232589

STANDARD CHARTED 0092265504
0022912551
0022898387
6006716020
5006045440
0066716013
5006045479
5006045455
0006000275
STANBIC IBTC 0033851218
0021886110

ZENITH BANK 2000822505

GTB 0023684857
0052876218

STANBIC IBTC 0021903563
0021885704

ACCESS 0092265504
1211651629
1799272577
1797052528
1800170209
0027419602
0034483849
1119623041
1119684428
1211570740
1211684432
008824035
0023887759
1719527240
00285903777
0064758324
1800252848
1778945302

There are over 100 bank accounts suspected of being used for kickbacks or illicit
financial activities, spread across various banks. This indicates a highly organised attempt to hide the origins and movement of these funds. Using such a large number of accounts typically aims to:

Avoid detection by financial regulators and bank monitoring systems.
Move illicit funds through structured transactions kept below reportable thresholds

(a method known as “smurfing”).

Distribute funds among multiple individuals or entities, making tracing more
difficult.

C O N C L U S I O N

Based on the serious and substantiated allegations detailed above, I respectfully urge your office to initiate a comprehensive investigation into these matters. This should include a full review of all pertinent financial transactions, bank accounts, and corporate entities implicated in these activities. I further appeal for the protection of whistleblowers and any individuals who may come forward with vital information.

Finally, I am faithful that, upon conclusion of the investigation, your office will take all necessary and appropriate administrative or legal actions as dictated by the
findings.

I trust this petition will receive the seriousness and confidentiality it deserves.
Thank you for your attention.

Yours faithfully,
M U S A A L I Y U
CC:

President and the Commander in-Chief,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
State House
Aso Rock Villa
Abuja.
Hon Unyime Joshua Idem
Chairman house committee on public procurement, National Assembly.

Cover

Citizen Network Condemns NAFDAC’s Enforcement of Sachet Alcohol Ban, Warns of Mass Action

Published

20 hours ago

February 3, 2026

Daily Mirror

The Citizen Network has strongly criticized the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over its decision to commence the enforcement of a ban on sachet alcoholic beverages, describing the action as arbitrary, anti-people, and detrimental to the nation’s economy.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the group’s representative, Comrade Johnson Kolawole Michael, expressed concern that the enforcement, announced under the leadership of NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, is disrupting the livelihoods of workers and operators in the wines and spirits sector, a segment the group said contributes significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to the Citizen Network, the decision contradicts an earlier directive issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on December 15, 2025, which instructed that enforcement of the ban be suspended.

The group also noted that the action runs contrary to resolutions of the House of Representatives contained in document NAS/10/HR/CT.33/77c of March 14, 2024, where lawmakers, following public hearings and consultations with stakeholders, restrained NAFDAC from implementing the ban, describing it as unacceptable and anti-people.

The group accused NAFDAC of selectively relying on a Senate resolution that, it claimed, excluded critical stakeholders and failed to reflect public opinion. It disclosed that it has formally approached the Senate, expressing confidence that lawmakers would reconsider the matter after further consultations.

Comrade Michael said the conflicting directives from different arms of government have created confusion among industry operators, leaving them uncertain about which authority to comply with.

He further argued that sachet and small PET bottle alcohol products were introduced to cater to adult consumers with limited purchasing power and that banning them would deny such consumers their fundamental right of choice. He dismissed claims that sachet alcohol encourages abuse, stating instead that smaller portions help discourage excessive consumption typically associated with larger containers.

The Citizen Network also maintained that sachet alcoholic beverages produced locally meet hygienic standards and are duly certified by regulatory bodies, including NAFDAC. It added that allegations of underage abuse have been countered by independent empirical research, while industry players have invested over ₦1 billion in nationwide campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption and discouraging underage drinking.

While reaffirming its support for the removal of unsafe products from the market, the group insisted that regulatory decisions must be guided by empirical evidence rather than sentiment. It warned that the ban could lead to factory closures, job losses, and the influx of illicit, substandard, and smuggled alcoholic products, thereby depriving government of revenue and consumers of regulated options.

The Citizen Network called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, members of the National Assembly, and concerned Nigerians to intervene and urge the NAFDAC Director-General to halt the enforcement of the ban and comply with existing directives suspending it.

The group warned that failure to heed the call could leave it with no alternative but to embark on a nationwide mass action.

Cover

How Army, DSS, DIA foiled coup to topple, kill Tinubu

Published

3 days ago

February 1, 2026

Daily Mirror

A covert intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), helped thwart a deadly plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government and assassinate key political figures, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report.

Multiple senior administration insiders said the plot began to unravel in late September 2025 after an unnamed military officer with direct knowledge of the coup contacted the then Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede. The officer reportedly disclosed the scheme, saying he feared being implicated as an accessory to treason if he failed to alert authorities.

Our sources said around the same time, the SSS independently gathered intelligence indicating that some serving army officers were plotting to “destabilise the government and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.” An official familiar with the matter said the Director-General of the SSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, personally briefed Mr Oluyede on the findings.

Faced with converging intelligence from multiple sources, the two security chiefs agreed to act swiftly. A wide-ranging but discreet joint operation was launched by the army and the SSS, with coordinated arrests planned across different parts of the country to neutralise the coup’s masterminds and other collaborators.

On 30 September 2025, as President Tinubu travelled to Imo State for an official visit, unaware of the plot to depose and possibly assassinate him, the joint operation went into effect. The sweep led to the arrest of the alleged principal architects of the coup, alongside other military and civilian suspects.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Emmanuel Undiandeye, and the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, were subsequently briefed. Mr Undiandeye was then requested to detain the suspects in the underground holding facility of the Defence Intelligence Agency.

Following the initial arrests, President Tinubu was formally informed of the foiled plot. A visibly shaken president immediately ordered the cancellation of the 1 October National Independence Day parade. He also approved the constitution of a special investigative panel, which later led to additional arrests. The investigative panel was led by General Undiandeye.

One of the detained soldiers later escaped custody but was rearrested by SSS operatives in Bauchi, a military insider said. Meanwhile, a retired officer identified as General Adamu and a former governor, Timipre Sylva, accused of bankrolling the coup plotters, remained at large.

Mr Tinubu later fired and retired the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa as well as the chiefs of the navy and airforce. Mr Oluyede was appointed CDS and promoted to the rank of General. Weeks later, Mr Musa returned to government as minister of defence.

In a statement issued on 4 October, the Defence Headquarters said the arrested officers were being investigate for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.” It added that preliminary findings suggested the officers’ grievances were linked to “career stagnation and failure in promotion examinations.”

Despite mounting evidence and a series of detailed reports by PREMIUM TIMES and other media outlets, the military repeatedly denied that a coup plot existed.

In an 18 October statement the Defence Headquarters described the probe involving the 16 arrested officers as a routine internal investigation aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the armed forces.

However, on 26 January, the military publicly acknowledged for the first time that officers had indeed plotted to illegally overthrow President Tinubu’s administration. It announced that those indicted would be arraigned before a military judicial panel.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the investigation was “comprehensive” and conducted in line with established procedures, examining “all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.”

It said the findings revealed “a number of officers with allegations of “plotting to overthrow the government,” describing such conduct as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations,” the statement added.

The plot to oust, kill Tinubu and others
In an earlier report, PREMIUM TIMES quoted sources with direct knowledge of the investigation as identifying top officials allegedly marked for assassination. They include President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

“There are other people targeted,” one source said. “But those are the key targets.”

The plotters also planned to detain senior military officers, including the service chiefs. “They did not want to kill them,” the source added.

According to the sources, the conspirators intended to assassinate the political leaders simultaneously. “They were waiting for a day when all of them would be in the country,” one official said. “Wherever they were, they would be assassinated.”

The sources said the plotters relied on informants within the Presidential Villa and around the officials slated for elimination.

“They have people inside the Villa who monitor the movements of these officials,” the source said. “The plan was to kill them at the same time and install a military government.”- PREMIUM TIMES

Cover

Workplace Safety and Health: Today’s Choices Determine the Future – NSITF Boss

Published

2 weeks ago

January 22, 2026

Daily Mirror

As the NSITF-NECA Safe Workplace Intervention Project kicks off in Lagos, Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, (NSITF) Barrister Oluwaseun Falaye, has enjoined employers of labour in Nigeria to be intentional about compliance with workplace safety and health regulations as he said that the future is determined by today’s choices.

In his welcome address at the Lagos Stakeholders’ Interactive Enlightenment Forum and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, Barrister Faleye said, “the future of work in Nigeria will be defined by how much we protect our workforce while driving productivity and growth.”

“At the core of the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010 is a simple but profound truth: every worker matters. No job is worth a life. And no organization can sustainably thrive when safety is treated as an afterthought,’ he stated.

Barrister Faleye urged organizations that are yet to fully align with safety compliance to avail themselves of the event to do so.

He stressed that no job is worth a life, and no organisation can sustainably thrive when safety is treated as an afterthought.

Speaking on the theme of the program: ‘Enhancing Workplace Safety, Strengthening Compliance, Celebrating Excellence’, the NSITF MD said “the theme captures the full spectrum of our engagement today. Compliance must be seen not as a regulatory obligation alone, but as a strategic business decision that safeguards human capital, reduces operational risk, and enhances organisational reputation”.

According to him, SWIP has, over the years, evolved into a strategic platform for driving awareness, strengthening compliance, and fostering collaboration around occupational safety and health, adding that the forum represents a critical interface between policy, practice, and performance, where employers, workers, regulators, and partners engage constructively on how to build safer and more productive workplaces.

“Today’s gathering is not merely an information session; it is a shared commitment. It reflects our collective resolve to ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of worker safety, and that productivity is anchored on environments that protect lives, dignity, and livelihoods,” he stated.

Speaking on the awards, Faleye said, “today, we also take time to celebrate organisations that have distinguished themselves through demonstrable commitment to occupational safety and health. These awards are not just acknowledgements; they are benchmarks. They signal that compliance is achievable, that safety delivers value, and that excellence in worker protection deserves recognition”.

The NSITF boss thanked the parent Ministry of Labour and Employment, NECA, participating organizations, and other partners for the success of the event and reiterated the Fund’s commitment to “deepen collaborations, strengthen compliance, and promote a culture where every workplace is a safe workplace.”

Explaining the SWIP forum, Director General , NECA, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said safety in the work place should be taken as a fundamental issue and core responsibility of employers.

He said while employers are pursuing maximum or optimum profit, safety of their workers should also be priorities.

He described workplace safety as a life-and-death matter that is still treated with dangerous nonchalance by both employers and employees, despite its far-reaching consequences.

The NECA DG expressed confidence that the initiative would not only reward excellence but also reset the national conversation on workplace safety

The Minister of Labour and Employment , Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, in a keynote address at the 2025 SWIP kick-off, said the Safe Workplace Intervention Project is a collaborative occupational health and safety initiative designed to enhance workplace safety across Nigeria through structured audits, engagement and recognition.

He said the occupational health and safety is everyone’s responsibility, adding that the ministry cannot do it alone.

He commended NECA and NSITF for sustaining SWIP, describing it as a model of effective collaboration between government and the private sector.

.
In a presentation titled “Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010: The Journey so Far,” the Executive Director Operations at NSITF, Honourable Mojisola Ali-Macauley said that Section 3 of the ECA 2010 makes provisions for Occupational Safety and Health as part of NSITF’s mandate.

She revealed that Scheme has a little less than two hundred thousands organizations translating to around eight million employees under its cover. She further stated that 142,745 persons have so far benefited in one form or another from the Scheme.

Seven companies in the Lagos Region received award for maintaining a high standard of Occupational Health and Safety in their workplaces. While Chivita and Nigeria Breweries received an ambulance each, five others received infrastructure OSH awards of first aid kits, PPEs and other safety gadgets for the workplace.

The SWIP, a partnership project between the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund and Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, was designed to promote voluntary compliance with workplace safety standards and regulations by organizations through creation of awareness, safety audit and motivation in form of awards to exemplary organisations. It adopts a method that downplays enforcement.

The NSITF-NECA SWIP Awards 2025 is scheduled for Lagos, Enugu, and Abuja for the grand final.