The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr. Oluwaseun Faleye, has announced plans to partner with key stakeholders to strengthen social protection systems across Nigeria and West Africa. He disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a press conference ahead of the 2026 International Social Security Association (ISSA) West Africa Technical Seminar, scheduled for April 22–23 in Abuja.
Faleye said the seminar, themed “Improving Inclusiveness and Accessibility of Social Security Services through Effective Communication,” will address persistent gaps in social security coverage across the region, convene critical stakeholders, and propose practical solutions to enhance service delivery. He noted that the initiative is particularly significant given that many workers, especially those in the informal sector, still lack adequate access to social protection.
Speaking at the briefing, Faleye stated that the event will bring together policymakers, social security institutions, employers, and workers’ representatives from across West Africa. He added that the objective is to facilitate knowledge-sharing and develop actionable strategies to make social security services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to workforce needs.
He acknowledged that Nigeria has recorded measurable progress in strengthening its social security framework, particularly through the Employees’ Compensation Scheme and expanded workplace injury coverage. However, he stressed that further efforts are required to broaden coverage and simplify access for workers across sectors.
“The question is no longer whether social security is important, but how effectively we are delivering it,” Faleye said.
He added that the seminar will foster regional collaboration and peer learning among countries facing similar economic and labour market challenges. Expected participants include representatives from the Federal Ministry of Labour, the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, UNESCO, and the International Labour Organization, among others.
Faleye also underscored the critical role of communication in building trust, raising awareness, and expanding access to social security services. He noted that clear, targeted communication would enable more workers to understand and benefit from available programmes.
He further stated that the seminar is expected to generate practical policy ideas, strengthen institutional partnerships, and improve the delivery of social security services across West Africa.
“The goal is to move from coverage in theory to coverage in reality,” he said.
