The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social security systems across West Africa, promising continued technical support to The Gambia as part of efforts to improve workers’ welfare and institutional capacity in the region. The assurance was given at the conclusion of a one-week study tour by the Board of the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund (IICF) of The Gambia’s Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC), where members of the delegation studied NSITF’s operations and Nigeria’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, NSITF Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oluwaseun Faleye, represented by the Executive Director (Administration), Samaila Abdu, described the engagement as the beginning of a stronger partnership between both institutions. According to him, NSITF remains committed to sharing its operational experience, technical expertise and best practices with The Gambia to enhance social protection across the sub-region.
“We see this as a partnership between brothers, working together towards the common goal of strengthening social protection and advancing the welfare of workers across our sub-region,” Faleye said.
He noted that the collaboration would continue beyond the study visit, adding that sustained cooperation would help both institutions strengthen their capacity and improve social security administration. Faleye explained that the week-long programme enabled participants to exchange ideas on institutional governance, employment injury compensation, compliance management, claims administration, rehabilitation programmes, actuarial planning, research and digital transformation.
He highlighted Nigeria’s experience in implementing the Employees’ Compensation Scheme under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010, while showcasing technology-driven initiatives such as the Employees’ Compensation Scheme Application (ECSA), designed to improve compliance, transparency and service delivery. The NSITF boss also said discussions focused on expanding social security coverage to underserved sectors and strengthening employer compliance through improved registration and contribution assessment systems.
He welcomed an invitation from Gambian authorities for NSITF officials to undertake a return visit to observe ongoing reforms in The Gambia, describing the invitation as evidence of the growing confidence and mutual respect between both organisations. While acknowledging that NSITF continues to improve its own operations, Faleye maintained that the organisation remains committed to sharing experiences in areas where it has recorded measurable progress.
He stressed that effective social security administration depends on continuous learning, innovation and collaboration among institutions across the West African region. Leader of the Gambian delegation and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Employment, Lamine Camara, commended NSITF for hosting the delegation and providing valuable insights into Nigeria’s compensation framework.
Camara expressed optimism that the knowledge gained during the study tour would contribute significantly to strengthening social security administration in The Gambia. He said the Gambian institution was particularly interested in expanding cooperation in research, capacity development and institutional strengthening.
“We are eager to learn from the NSITF experience. We also want to improve in the area of research where we are behind, and we believe this collaboration will greatly strengthen our operations,” Camara stated.
He also extended a formal invitation to NSITF to visit The Gambia as both organisations work towards deepening collaboration and advancing social protection initiatives across West Africa.
