The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has commenced a week-long study tour for a delegation from The Gambia’s Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC), in a move aimed at strengthening cooperation and enhancing the administration of employees’ compensation and social security programmes in both countries.
The programme, which began on Monday at the NSITF Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, brings together officials from the two institutions to exchange knowledge, share best practices and explore strategies for improving compensation schemes for workers.
Declaring the study tour open, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSITF, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, described the engagement as an important opportunity to deepen institutional collaboration and improve social protection systems across the region.
Represented by the Executive Director, Administration, Barrister Samaila Abdu, Faleye said the visit would enable both organisations to compare operational experiences, strengthen their institutional frameworks and identify innovative approaches to delivering social security benefits.
He expressed confidence that the lessons from the engagement would contribute to the long-term development of both institutions while improving services for workers in Nigeria and The Gambia.
The study tour is expected to feature technical presentations, facility inspections and discussions covering policy implementation, claims management, service delivery and the administration of Nigeria’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).
NSITF administers the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, which provides financial compensation and support to employees who suffer work-related injuries, occupational diseases or death, while also promoting workplace safety and health standards.
In his welcome address, NSITF Executive Director, Finance and Investment, Olufemi Ayodele Samuel, said the programme was designed to strengthen cross-border cooperation in social security administration and industrial injury compensation.
According to him, the visit provides an avenue for both organisations to exchange ideas on workplace accident prevention, disability benefits, survivors’ compensation and sustainable management of social protection funds.
He added that the engagement would also allow the Gambian delegation to gain insights into NSITF’s operational procedures, claims processing systems and occupational health and safety practices, laying the foundation for a long-term partnership.
Also addressing the delegation, NSITF Executive Director (Operations), Barrister Mojisola Alli Macaulay, welcomed the visitors and assured them of a comprehensive overview of the Fund’s operations throughout the study programme.
Responding on behalf of the visitors, the Chairman of the SSHFC Board and Permanent Secretary in The Gambia’s Ministry of Trade and Employment, Lamine Camara, said the delegation was eager to learn from Nigeria’s experience in administering employees’ compensation and to share the knowledge gained upon returning home.
He noted that the visit would strengthen collaboration between both organisations and support ongoing efforts to improve social security systems in The Gambia.
SSHFC is The Gambia’s statutory institution responsible for administering social security programmes, housing finance and industrial injuries compensation.
