NSITF and ISSA Unite to Bolster Social Protection Frameworks in West Africa
In a significant move to fortify social protection initiatives, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has announced a collaborative effort with the International Social Security Association (ISSA). This partnership is set to culminate in the hosting of the 2026 ISSA West Africa Technical Seminar in Abuja, Nigeria. The Managing Director of NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, emphasized Nigeria's readiness to engage with partners and drive meaningful discussions aimed at enhancing social security systems throughout the region.
Seminar Focus on Inclusiveness and Accessibility
The upcoming seminar, scheduled for April 22nd and 23rd, 2026, will operate under the theme 'Improving Inclusiveness and Accessibility of Social Security Services through Effective Communication'. Faleye highlighted that this event is part of a broader strategy to address pressing challenges in social protection across West Africa. He noted that while Nigeria has made strides in strengthening its social security architecture, particularly through initiatives like the Employees’ Compensation Scheme and expanded workplace injury coverage, there remains a critical need to deepen coverage, simplify access, and improve engagement with employers and workers.
Addressing Regional Challenges and Shared Responsibilities
Faleye pointed out that social protection systems globally, and especially in West Africa, are under pressure to evolve. He stressed that millions of workers, particularly those in the informal sector, still lack formal social security coverage. The key issue, he argued, is not the importance of social security but how effectively nations can deliver it. He stated, "This Seminar comes at a time when social protection systems globally, and particularly in West Africa, are under pressure to evolve. Across our region, millions of workers, especially in the informal sector, remain outside formal social security coverage."
He further explained that the challenges often stem from limited awareness, complex processes, and low trust in institutions, rather than a lack of schemes. Effective communication, he asserted, is central to expanding coverage and building confidence. The seminar aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including social security institutions, policymakers, employers, and workers’ representatives, to foster practical solutions and strengthen institutional collaboration.
Expected Outcomes and Regional Leadership
On the anticipated outcomes, Faleye outlined that the conference is expected to generate practical insights for improving service delivery, enhance institutional cooperation across West Africa, and highlight effective communication strategies tailored to real-world contexts. He declared, "Ultimately, the goal is to move from coverage in theory to coverage in reality." This initiative reflects Nigeria's commitment to continuous improvement and regional leadership, as West Africa faces common structural realities such as large informal economies, young and mobile populations, and evolving labor markets.
Faleye also underscored the shared responsibility in strengthening social security, calling on governments to provide enabling policies, institutions to deliver efficiently, and employers to comply and engage with informed and empowered workers. Development partners, including organizations like the Federal Ministry of Labour, PENCOM, NECA, MAN, NLC, TUC, UNESCO, and the ILO, will play a crucial role in supporting innovation and capacity-building efforts.
In conclusion, the NSITF and ISSA collaboration marks a pivotal step towards creating more resilient and inclusive social protection systems in West Africa, with the Abuja seminar serving as a platform for actionable change and regional solidarity.
