By Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical support and deepening collaboration with the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund (IICF) of the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) of The Gambia to strengthen social protection and workers’ welfare across West Africa.
The assurance was given by the Managing Director and Chief Executive of NSITF, Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, during the closing ceremony of a one-week study tour by the Gambian delegation in Abuja.
Represented by the Executive Director (Administration), Barr. Samaila Abdu, Faleye said the partnership between the two institutions would continue beyond the study visit.
“NSITF will continue to support the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund under the SSHFC by sharing technical knowledge, exchanging experiences and providing guidance wherever we can.
“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,” he said.
He stressed that the conclusion of the study tour marked the beginning of a stronger institutional relationship rather than its end.
Faleye thanked the Gambian delegation for selecting NSITF as the destination for the study visit, describing the decision as a reflection of growing cooperation among social security institutions in West Africa.
According to him, the week-long engagement provided both organisations with an opportunity to exchange ideas, share practical experiences and examine innovative approaches to improving employment injury compensation and social security administration.
He noted that discussions covered the evolution of Nigeria’s social security system, institutional governance, employer registration, compliance management, contribution assessment, claims administration, rehabilitation programmes, research, actuarial planning and digital transformation.
Faleye said participants also witnessed a demonstration of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme Application (ECSA), which he described as a key technological innovation improving efficiency, compliance and service delivery within the Fund.
He added that NSITF appreciated the invitation to visit The Gambia and observe how lessons from the study tour would be implemented within the country’s social security system.
“We acknowledge that we are still strengthening and expanding our own social security implementation. Like every progressive institution, we continue to learn, innovate and improve.
“However, we remain committed to sharing our experiences and best practices where we have made meaningful progress,” he said.
The NSITF chief maintained that both institutions had reaffirmed their commitment to continuous learning, innovation and cooperation in advancing effective social security administration across the region.
Responding on behalf of the Gambian delegation, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Employment, Lamine Camara, expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to the delegation and said the study tour had provided valuable insights for improving The Gambia’s social security system.
“We are pleased with the knowledge and experience we have gained. We want to deepen this collaboration in every area of social security and strengthen our institutional capacity.
“We are eager to learn from the NSITF experience, particularly in research and other areas where we need improvement. At the same time, we believe our own experience can also benefit Nigeria.
“We therefore renew our invitation to NSITF to visit The Gambia, and we look forward to sustaining this partnership,” Camara said.
