The Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has reaffirmed in commitment to expand Nigeria’s social security coverage, particularly among informal sector workers.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barr. Oluseun Falaye, in a press briefing ahead of the “International Social Security Services Association (ISSA) West Africa Technical Seminar Nigeria 2026,” said that ongoing reforms and outreach efforts are aimed at ensuring that the majority of Nigerian workers across both formal and informal sectors understand and benefit from the Employee Compensation Scheme (ECS).
He said the forum brought together various social security stakeholders, including representatives from the National Pension Commission, highlighting the need for coordinated action across institutions.
He noted that groups such as commercial motorcycle riders, transport unions, and trade associations operate under different systems, requiring tailored engagement strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
“The expectations of an Okada riders’ association are different from those of transport workers or tailors’ groups,”.
He said, underscoring the importance of customized communication and outreach efforts.
To address these gaps, he sssured that the NSITF is prioritising direct engagement, dialogue, and targeted advocacy campaigns under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the agency reported increasing interest from informal sector associations, small and medium-scale enterprises, and trade groups seeking collaboration on how to enroll their members in the scheme.
“International partners are also playing a role in supporting these efforts. The official cited growing cooperation with organizations such as Sweden, which has provided platforms to promote the benefits of workplace compensation and social protection programs,” he said.
Looking ahead, the he assured that NSIT will continue to pursue deliberate and sustained engagement strategies to “crack” the informal sector and bring more workers under the ECS umbrella.
He expressed confidence that expanding coverage will not only protect workers but also contribute to the overall growth and resilience of the Nigerian economy.
The MD reiterated that consistent communication, stakeholder collaboration, and adaptive strategies will be key to achieving universal social security coverage in the country.