Senate passes workers’ compensation trust fund, federal polytechnics bills

On Thursday, the Senate approved two crucial bills: the Nigerian Employees' Compensation Trust Fund Agency Establishment Bill, 2026, and the Federal Polytechnics Act Amendment Bill, 2026. Following their recommittal to the Committee of the Whole, these bills underwent further legislative examination and potential amendments. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who initiated the motion for recommittal, highlighted that certain provisions necessitated further review to ensure administrative clarity and a robust legal framework.

He encouraged the Senate to reverse its prior decisions and reinstate the bills for reconsideration and passage.

Senator Kamorudeen Oyewumi (APC, Osun West), who supported the motion, argued that this process would eliminate ambiguities and align the bills with established legislation for similar institutions. The Senate proceeded to examine the bills clause by clause, ultimately approving their content. Bamidele explained that the Employees' Compensation Trust Fund Bill aims to replace the NSITF Act and the Employees' Compensation Act with a new framework.

This legislation would provide compensation for death, injury, disease, or disability resulting from or during employment, along with related matters.

The Federal Polytechnics Act Amendment Bill seeks to modify the existing law governing federal polytechnics by reviewing their functions and addressing related issues. Both bills were read for the third time and subsequently passed. Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the Senate Leader and lawmakers for their efforts, stating that these bills would enhance workers' welfare and strengthen technical education.

He emphasized that the legislation would protect workers through compensation provisions while ensuring that technical institutions contribute to the country's economic development needs.