NSITF deepens relations with Gambia on social security
…hosts study tour on ECS for delegates
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has commenced a week-long study tour for a high-powered delegation from The Gambia, marking a significant step towards strengthening regional collaboration on social security and employees’ compensation administration across Africa.
The delegation, drawn from the Board of the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund of The Gambia’s Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC), was formally received on Monday at the NSITF Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, where the programme was officially declared open.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSITF, Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, described the visit as more than a routine institutional engagement, saying it represents a historic opportunity for both organisations to exchange ideas and improve social security systems in their respective countries.
“This engagement is not merely procedural; it is a solemn occasion of historic significance,” Faleye said. “It provides a noble platform through which both institutions may exchange knowledge, compare experiences, and glean invaluable insights that will enrich our shared mission of delivering social security benefits to our citizens.”
Represented by the Executive Director, Administration, Barr. Samaila Abdu, the NSITF boss said the Fund places immense value on its partnership with SSHFC and expressed confidence that the study tour would deepen institutional cooperation while enhancing service delivery in both countries.
He added that the lessons from the week-long engagement would advance the corporate aspirations of both organisations and ultimately improve social protection for workers in Nigeria and The Gambia.
According to Faleye, the study tour will feature technical sessions, facility inspections and policy discussions covering the administration of Employees’ Compensation Schemes, claims management, occupational safety and health, and other critical areas of social security administration.
Earlier in his welcome address, NSITF Executive Director, Finance and Investment, Olufemi Ayodele Samuel, said the capacity-building programme was deliberately designed to foster cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing and strategic collaboration in industrial injuries compensation.
“On behalf of the Board and Management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, and all relevant stakeholders in our social security and labour sector, I warmly welcome the Board of Directors and Management of the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation of The Gambia to NSITF,” Samuel said.
He noted that the engagement would enable both institutions to examine practical approaches to workplace accident prevention, disability benefits, survivors’ compensation and the broader challenge of managing social protection funds while maintaining high occupational health and safety standards.
“We hope this study tour will not only provide valuable insights into our operational procedures and claims tracking, but will also serve as a foundation for a lasting, mutually beneficial partnership,” Samuel added.
Also speaking, NSITF Executive Director (Operations), Barr. Mojisola Alli Macaulay, assured the visiting delegation of a comprehensive learning experience, describing the Fund as a benchmark for social security administration in Africa. She encouraged the Gambian officials to maximise the opportunity and enjoy the study visit.
Responding on behalf of the delegation, the Chairman of the Board of the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund and Permanent Secretary in The Gambia’s Ministry of Trade and Employment, Lamine Camara, said the visit underscored his country’s commitment to learning from successful institutions across the continent.
“It’s a way to sustain collaboration with sister organizations. We are here to learn from such engagement. We are motivated, and would be glad to share all the experiences we learn here back home,” Camara said.
The NSITF administers Nigeria’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme, which provides compensation for work-related injuries, occupational diseases and death while promoting workplace safety and health. Similarly, The Gambia’s Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation is the country’s statutory institution responsible for social security, housing finance and the administration of industrial injuries compensation, making the study tour a strategic platform for strengthening social protection systems in both nations.
