The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high labour standards and the promotion of the welfare of all its workers.
In a statement in Abuja, the Commission said as a forward-looking regulatory institution, it recognises that its effectiveness depended largely on the professionalism, dedication, and wellbeing of its workforce.
The Commission was reacting to the accusation by the Nigeria Labour Congress that its management was not living up to expectations in terms of its responsibilities and commitment to staff welfare and basic labour standards.
Consequently, the labour movement were at the headquarters of the Commission is Abuja to picket the organization for alleged refusal by the management to resolve some issues relating to staff welfare.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) Unit picketed the Commission headquarters in Abuja to protest what they described as unfair labour practices and persistent neglect of staff welfare by management.
The union chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Mustapha, accused the NAICOM management of failing to honour existing agreements and directives from the Minister of Labour on the issue, despite several rounds of discussions.
Mustapha alleged that the refusal by the Commission management to implement agreed welfare and administrative reforms had eroded trust between staff and management, insisting that workers would continue to press for compliance with labour policies and fair treatment.
The union presented a 25-point demand covering issues bordering on promotion delays, alleged selective implementation of policies, staff transfers, training opportunities, and welfare packages.
Key demands included the immediate promotion of eligible staff, fair and transparent recruitment and promotion processes, an end to what the union described as “vindictive transfers,” improved staff training opportunities, and equal application of workplace policies across all cadres.
Also, the union expressed concerns over alleged preferential treatment in payment of allowances and car grants, and called for equal distribution in line with the prevailing economic conditions in the country, apart from the demand for the implementation of monetisation policies, proper investigation into internal administrative processes, and staff inclusion in key institutional exercises.
Other issues highlighted by the aggrieved workers include calls for improved working conditions in zonal offices, enhanced security at the headquarters following reported theft incidents, and payment of outstanding allowances and rent advances in line with conditions of service.
The union urged management to return to the negotiation table to resolve the disputes amicably, warning that members would not back down until their demands were addressed.
However, in the statement, the Commission said since the current leadership assumed office, it has continued to take deliberate steps to improve working conditions and enhance staff welfare.
The Commission said these efforts included strengthening internal processes, providing a supportive and enabling work environment, and promoting a workplace culture built on fairness, productivity, mutual respect, and accountability.
“Staff welfare remains a key priority of the Commission,” the spokesperson of the Commission, Abba Inuwa, said in the statement.
“In recent years, noticeable progress has been made in areas such as training and capacity development, career growth, workplace improvements, and performance-based advancement.
“These initiatives reflect NAICOM’s commitment to building a skilled, motivated, and results-driven workforce aligned with its strategic goals.”
NAICOM, Mr Inuwa said, operates a transparent and merit-based human resource system in full compliance with public service rules and applicable regulatory frameworks.
Promotion exercises, he said, are conducted strictly in line with due process and are based on clear, objective, and verifiable criteria, with all staff treated equally, with no room for favouritism or bias.
He said the Commission also places high importance on discipline, integrity, and positive working relationships across all levels assuring that NAICOM remains committed to fostering a work environment guided by equity, transparency, and nondiscrimination in all engagements and decisions.
“Management remains open to constructive dialogue and engagement. Staff are encouraged to make use of established internal mechanisms for communication and dispute resolution, rather than actions that may disrupt operations or affect public confidence in the Commission,” he added.
While assuring all stakeholders of its continued investment in staff welfare, professional development, and institutional excellence, in line with global best practices and its statutory responsibilities, the Commission said it remained committed to creating a harmonious and productive work environment, while fulfilling its mandate to regulate, supervise, and strengthen Nigeria’s insurance industry.”
