By Emmanuella Oghenetega
Ahead of the regional dialogue on social protection, the Managing Director of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, has reaffirmed the country’s readiness to drive impactful, solution-oriented discussions aimed at strengthening social security systems across West Africa.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, Faleye said the seminar, themed “Improving Inclusiveness and Accessibility of Social Security Services through Effective Communication”, reflects a deliberate effort to move beyond policy conversations to practical reforms that improve access and delivery.
He noted that while Nigeria has made notable strides in expanding its social security framework, particularly through the Employees’ Compensation Scheme and broader workplace injury coverage, significant gaps remain.
According to him, deeper coverage, simplified access, and stronger engagement with employers and workers are critical to building a more inclusive system.
“We are not just convening a seminar; we are making a commitment to improve protection for millions of workers across West Africa,” Faleye said.
He highlighted that social protection systems in the region are under increasing pressure to adapt, especially as a large proportion of workers, particularly in the informal sector, remain outside formal coverage.
Faleye stressed that the focus has shifted from the importance of social security to the effectiveness of its delivery, noting that challenges often stem from limited awareness, complex processes, and low public trust rather than the absence of schemes.
“Communication is central to expanding coverage and building confidence in the system,” he said.
The NSITF boss further described Nigeria’s role as host as a demonstration of its commitment to regional leadership and continuous improvement, pointing out that West African countries share similar economic realities, including large informal sectors and rapidly evolving labour markets.
He said the seminar will serve as a platform for peer learning, collaboration, and the exchange of practical solutions tailored to regional needs.
Faleye also emphasised that strengthening social protection requires a collective effort, urging governments to provide enabling policies, institutions to improve service delivery, employers to comply with regulations, and workers to stay informed and engaged.
The seminar is expected to produce actionable insights for enhancing service delivery, deepen collaboration among institutions, and promote effective communication strategies that can expand access to social security.
“Ultimately, our goal is to move from coverage in theory to coverage in reality,” he said, adding that social security must become a system people can easily access, understand, and trust.
