To enhance social security in Nigeria and globally, the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, has emphasized the usage of innovation to strengthen governance, inclusion expansion, and upholding human dignity as critical factors for social security systems.
He spoke in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the 2026 International Social Security Association (ISSA) West Africa Technical Session.
The event, holding from Wednesday 22nd April to Thursday 23rd April, 2026, was themed "Improving Inclusiveness and Accessibility of social security through effective communication in West Africa".
Barrister Faleye said "As Mr. Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, Secretary General of the ISSA, has powerfully observed, social security systems do not earn public confidence merely by adopting technology, but by using innovation to strengthen governance, expand inclusion, and uphold human dignity.
"It is therefore fitting that this session sits at the intersection of both experiences: firmly grounded in the realities of West Africa, yet informed by the global insights and strategic directions discussed at the World Social Security Forum."
According to him, the theme speaks directly to the current moment demanding accessibility, effectiveness, inclusiveness, and the strategic use of digitisation in social security administration.
The five factors, he said, are not abstract ideals, but practical measures of whether institutions can keep pace with the changing lives and livelihoods of the people they are expected to protect.
The NSITF Boss went on "Accessibility challenges us to rethink how services reach workers whose employment falls outside traditional structures.
"Effectiveness demands that benefits are delivered promptly, transparently, and predictably, because delays erode trust and inefficiency weakens credibility.
"Inclusiveness requires that women, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, and those in informal and non-standard forms of work are not treated as marginal, but as central to our mandate.
"Digitisation offers powerful tools in this regard, but only when guided by sound policy, institutional discipline, and a clear commitment to fairness." he stated
Noting that the Nigeria’s context makes the conversations very urgent, he added "With a large and youthful population, a dynamic labour market, and one of the largest informal economies in Africa, the demand for responsive and strong social protection systems is undeniable."
The Managing Director assured that the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, under the Employees’ Compensation Act of 2010, carries a statutory responsibility to provide protection against work-related injuries, occupational diseases, disabilities, and death.
"This mandate is not theoretical. It is about real people, real risks, and real consequences for families and communities.
"At NSITF, we have come to recognise that delivering on this mandate in today’s environment requires deliberate transformation. Over the years, we have embarked on a progressive digital journey, moving away from fragmented, paper-based processes toward more integrated systems that enhance integrity, improve service delivery, and strengthen public confidence.
"We are investing in platforms that support faster claims processing, improved data management, stronger actuarial planning, and more transparent engagement with employers and beneficiaries. At the same time, we remain clear-eyed about the challenges."
Stressing that digital transformation is not a one-off project, but a continuous process that demands skills, governance, cybersecurity, and institutional culture, he said that the Technical Session are invaluable. "They allow us to learn from one another, to adapt tested solutions, and to avoid costly missteps. The ISSA has long provided a vital platform for this exchange. Through its standards, guidelines, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms, it has helped social security institutions navigate complexity with confidence."
Expressing grateful for the trust reposed in Nigeria and in NSITF to host the session, he encouraged participants to engage openly and constructively.
"Let us share experiences frankly, what has worked and what has not. Let us explore how digital tools can be deployed responsibly, how governance can be strengthened, and how social security institutions can continue to serve as anchors of stability in an increasingly uncertain world.
"Above all, let us ensure that our discussions translate into actions that improve outcomes for workers and employers across our region.
"History will not judge us by the elegance of our presentations, but by the impact of our choices. From Conakry to Kuala Lumpur, and now to Abuja, the message is clear: social security is no longer peripheral to development, it is foundational to economic resilience, social unity, and human dignity." he stated
Speaking earlier, the Minister Of Labour And Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, said that the Seminar is a clear indication of the Nigerian government's commitment to providing good governance on social security for its citizens in line with international best practice.
According to him, the theme is quite apt and coming at a critical period in Nigeria's development journey.
He said that the theme also reminds that social security is not merely a safety net, but a fundamental pillar for social justice, industrial harmony and sustainable economic growth.
"In a rapidly changing world defined by technological advancements, the expansion of the informal sector and evolving employment relationships, the urgency to adapt and strengthen our social protection systems cannot be overemphasised.
"Furthermore, you will all agree with me that not only does the theme give a broad vision of the sub-regional aspirations for improving social security amidst evolving global dynamics in the sector, it resonates the principles of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
"This is with particular regards to inclusivity, social investment and social cohesion which are geared towards national growth and development, as well as delivering the gains of democracy to the good people of our great nation."
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, he said, remains committed to its constitutional mandate of formulating and implementing policies that safeguard the welfare of Nigerian workers.
"Central to this mandate is our supervisory role over key institutions, particularly the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). The NSITF, as empowered by the Employees' Compensation Act, 2010 serves as a critical vehicle for delivering social security to workers by providing compensation for workplace injuries, disabilities and death.
"Through effective oversight, we ensure that the Fund remains aligned with international best practices, including those championed by ISSA, while fulfilling its statutory responsibility of protecting Nigeria's valued workforce."
He also assured that the Federal Government is committed to continual strengthening NSITF to ensure that no worker is left vulnerable in the face of occupational risks or left uncatered for following unavoidable workplace hazards or fatalities.
The Secretary-General of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), Mr. Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, expressed appreciation for the outstanding and fruitful cooperation with Nigeria.
Noting that there have been many positive results, he said "we are grateful for your commitment to international action as part of our regional and global social security."
According to him, progress in the development of social security in Nigeria underscored the strategic importance placed on Social Security
"Let me therefore also highlight the role of social security solutions, the Nigeria's social insurers and the other institutions, both in Nigeria and the region that they are essential to make sure policies have a positive impact on the everyday life." he stated
Director General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran, among other dignitaries, gave goodwill messages during the opening session of the event.
Others who attended included Heads of Delegations from ISSA Member Institutions, Representatives of Governments across West Africa and other countries, members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the NSITF Board and Management, Development Partners, and Technical Experts.