By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage– The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), the regulatory body overseeing the insurance industry in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding high labour standards and staff welfare following a peaceful protest by workers at its headquarters in Abuja.
The protest, led by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), NAICOM Unit, saw staff accuse management of unfair labour practices and neglect of employee welfare, raising fresh concerns over internal labour relations within the regulatory body.
Responding in a statement on Monday, NAICOM defended its record, stressing that since the current leadership assumed office, the Commission has taken deliberate steps to improve working conditions and strengthen staff welfare.
The Commission noted that its effectiveness as a regulator is closely tied to the professionalism, dedication, and wellbeing of its workforce, adding that ongoing reforms are designed to build a more supportive, transparent, and performance-driven work environment.
According to NAICOM, recent efforts have focused on enhancing staff training and capacity development, improving career progression, upgrading workplace conditions, and implementing performance-based advancement systems.
It further maintained that its human resource processes remain transparent and merit-based, with promotions and appointments conducted strictly in line with public service rules and established regulatory frameworks.
“All staff are treated equally, with no room for favouritism or bias,” the Commission stated, emphasizing its commitment to fairness, accountability, and non-discrimination.
NAICOM also encouraged employees to utilise internal channels for communication and dispute resolution, warning that actions capable of disrupting operations could undermine public confidence in the institution.
However, the protesting union alleged that management has failed to implement previously agreed reforms and directives from the Minister of Labour, despite multiple engagements.
The union said the situation has eroded trust between staff and management, vowing to continue pressing for full compliance with labour agreements and improved welfare conditions.
As part of its demands, the union presented a 25-point list addressing key concerns, including delays in staff promotions, alleged selective implementation of policies, transfers, training opportunities, and welfare packages.
Among its key demands are the immediate promotion of eligible staff, transparent and fair recruitment and promotion processes, an end to what it described as “vindictive transfers,” improved capacity development programmes, and equal application of workplace policies across all cadres.
The union also raised concerns over alleged disparities in allowances and car grants, calling for equitable distribution in line with prevailing standards, as well as the implementation of monetisation policies and greater staff inclusion in institutional processes.
NAICOM, in its response, disclosed that an attempt by certain individuals to discredit the current leadership through external actors was unsuccessful, noting that the situation has since been resolved with normalcy restored.
The Commission added that all operations remain uninterrupted, reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, institutional stability, and effective regulation of Nigeria’s insurance sector.While management insists that reforms are underway, the protest underscores lingering concerns over labour relations within the Commission, highlighting the need for sustained dialogue and trust-building between both parties.
