As Nigeria hosts the 2026 International Social Security Association (ISSA) West Africa Technical Seminar, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), has assured that the nation is ready to facilitate meaningful and solution-driven discussions as part of broader efforts to strengthen social protection systems across West Africa.
Managing Director of the NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, who gave the assurance on Tuesday at a media briefing ahead of the 2026 ISSA West Africa Technical Seminar due for Abuja next week, disclosed that the fund is set to collaborate with key stakeholders and development partners to entrench social security in workplaces.
He said the seminar with the theme: “Improving Inclusiveness and Accessibility of Social Security Services through Effective Communication,” is deliberate and part of a broader effort to strengthen social protection systems across West Africa.
Faleye explained that Nigeria has made significant progress in strengthening its social security architecture, particularly through the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, expanded workplace injury coverage.
However, he stressed that coverage must deepen, access must become simpler and engagement with employers and workers must improve.
He stated that “we look forward to welcoming stakeholders from across the region to Abuja. What we begin in Abuja, is not just a conversation; it is a commitment to strengthening protection for millions of workers across West Africa.
“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.”
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According to the NSITF boss, the question is no longer whether social security is important, but how effectively is the delivering.
He adding that Nigeria, through NSITF, is honoured to host the ISSA West Africa Technical Seminar 2026, as the seminar will bring together social security institutions, policymakers, employers and workers’ representatives.
“The objective is simple but critical: to strengthen how social security systems work in practice, not just in policy”, he stated.
Speaking further, the managing director noted that in many cases, the challenge is not the absence of schemes, but limited awareness, complex processes, and low trust in institutions, adding that “communication is therefore not an add-on, but it is central to expanding coverage and building confidence.”
The managing director, who explained that strengthening social security is a shared responsibility, said development partners also play a key role in supporting innovation and capacity building.
He listed organisations and institutions that will be participating in the conference to include the Federal Ministry of Labour, PENCOM, NECA, MAN, NLC, TUC, UNESCO, and the ILO. Many other organisations will also participate.
He requested that governments provide enabling policies, institutions must deliver efficiently, employers must comply and engage, and workers must be informed and empowered.
On the expected outcomes of the conference, the managing director said the conference is expected to generate practical insights for improving service delivery, strengthen institutional collaboration across the region and highlight communication strategies that work in real contexts.
The ISSS Technical Seminar 2026 will hold at the Abuja Continental Hotel, from April 22- 23, 2026.
