By Michael Oche
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has reiterated the need to expand social security coverage, particularly to millions of workers in the informal sector, as Nigeria prepares to host the 2026 International Social Security Association (ISSA) West Africa Technical Seminar in Abuja.
Managing Director of NSITF, Barr Oluwaseun Faleye, made this known on Tuesday during a media briefing ahead of the seminar scheduled to hold from April 22 to 23, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
Faleye said the seminar, themed “Improving Inclusiveness and Accessibility of Social Security Services through Effective Communication,” is aimed at addressing critical gaps in social protection systems across the region.
He noted that while Nigeria has recorded progress in strengthening its social security architecture—particularly through the Employees’ Compensation Scheme and expanded workplace injury coverage—significant challenges remain in deepening access and improving engagement with employers and workers.
“Across our region, millions of workers, especially in the informal sector, remain outside formal social security coverage. The question is no longer whether social security is important, but how effectively we are delivering it,” he said.
Faleye explained that the Abuja seminar will bring together social security institutions, policymakers, employers, and workers’ representatives from across West Africa to explore practical ways of improving service delivery and expanding coverage.
According to him, many of the challenges facing social security systems are not due to the absence of policies, but rather limited awareness, complex processes, and low public trust in institutions.
“Communication is not an add-on; it is central to expanding coverage and building confidence in the system,” he stressed.
The NSITF boss added that hosting the seminar reflects Nigeria’s commitment to regional leadership and continuous improvement in social protection, noting that West African countries share similar realities, including large informal economies, youthful populations, and evolving labour markets.
“This makes it essential to learn from one another and adapt solutions to our local contexts, rather than copying models blindly,” he said.
Faleye also highlighted the role of development partners in supporting innovation and capacity building, describing social security as a shared responsibility among governments, institutions, employers, and workers.
He disclosed that key organisations expected at the seminar include the Federal Ministry of Labour, the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), as well as international bodies such as UNESCO and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
He expressed optimism that the seminar would generate practical insights for improving service delivery, strengthen institutional collaboration across the region, and promote communication strategies that enhance accessibility.
“Ultimately, the goal is to move from coverage in theory to coverage in reality. Social security must not remain a system people hear about; it must become a system people can access, understand, and trust,” Faleye said.
