The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has solidified its position as a key regional authority in social security. The organization recently committed to providing ongoing technical assistance to The Gambia, aimed at bolstering worker protection systems throughout West Africa.
This pledge followed a week-long visit by the Board of the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund (IICF) from The Gambia’s Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC). The Gambian delegation examined the operational framework of the NSITF and the implementation of Nigeria’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme.
Representing NSITF Managing Director Oluwaseun Faleye, Executive Director of Administration Samaila Abdu affirmed that the Fund would continue to share institutional knowledge and best practices. Faleye described the collaboration as a fraternal effort to improve regional social protection and worker welfare. He noted that the initiative covered various topics, including institutional governance, claims processing, digital transformation, and actuarial planning.
A major focus of the discussions was the effectiveness of the Employees’ Compensation Act of 2010 and the role of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme Application (ECSA) in promoting transparency. Furthermore, the two parties discussed strategies for increasing employer compliance and extending coverage to underserved sectors.
Lamine Camara, Permanent Secretary in The Gambia’s Ministry of Trade and Employment and leader of the visiting team, praised the NSITF for its openness. He expressed a desire to mirror Nigeria’s advancements in research and capacity development. The Gambian authorities have formally invited the NSITF to observe their own upcoming reforms, marking the next stage in this growing partnership.
