NSITF collaborates to strengthen social protection, as Nigeria hosts ISSA West Africa 2026

As Nigeria hosts the 2026 International Social Security Association (ISSA) West Africa Technical Seminar, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), has assured that the nation is ready to facilitate meaningful and solution-driven discussions as part of broader efforts to strengthen social protection systems across West Africa.

Managing Director of the NSITF, Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, who gave the assurance on Tuesday at a media briefing ahead of the 2026 ISSA West Africa Technical Seminar due for Abuja next week, disclosed that the Fund is set to collaborate with key stakeholders and development partners to entrench social security in workplaces.

He said the seminar, themed “Improving Inclusiveness and Accessibility of Social Security Services through Effective Communication”, is very deliberate and not just an event but part of a broader effort to strengthen social protection systems across West Africa.

Faleye who explained that Nigeria has made significant progress in strengthening its social security architecture, particularly through the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, expanded workplace injury coverage, however stressed the recognition that coverage must deepen, access must become simpler and engagement with employers and workers must improve.

The Managing Director stated, “We look forward to welcoming stakeholders from across the region to Abuja. What we begin in Abuja is not just a conversation; it is a commitment to strengthening protection for millions of workers across West Africa.

“This Seminar comes at a time when social protection systems globally, and particularly in West Africa, are under pressure to evolve. Across our region, millions of workers, especially in the informal sector, remain outside formal social security coverage”.

According to the NSITF boss, “The question is no longer whether social security is important, but how effectively we are delivering it”, adding that “Nigeria, through NSITF, is honoured to host the ISSA West Africa Technical Seminar 2026. The Seminar will bring together: Social security institutions, policymakers, employers and workers’ representatives. The objective is simple but critical: to strengthen how social security systems work in practice, not just in policy”, he stated.

Speaking further, the MD noted that in many cases, the challenge is not the absence of schemes, but limited awareness, complex processes, and low trust in institutions, adding that “Communication is therefore not an add-on, but it is central to expanding coverage and building confidence”.

He stressed that hosting the seminar reflects Nigeria’s commitment to continuous improvement and regional leadership as “West Africa shares common structural realities: Large informal economies, young and mobile populations, evolving labour markets. This makes it essential to learn from one another and adapt solutions to our realities, not copy models blindly”, adding that the ISSA platform provides exactly that opportunity for peer learning and collaboration.

The Managing Director, who explained that strengthening social security is a shared responsibility, said development partners also play a key role in supporting innovation and capacity building.

He listed organisations and institutions that will be participating in the conference to include the Federal Ministry of Labour, PENCOM, NECA, MAN, NLC, TUC, UNESCO, and the ILO. Many other organisations will also participate.

He requested that governments provide enabling policies, institutions must deliver efficiently, employers must comply and engage, and workers must be informed and empowered.

On the expected outcomes of the conference, the managing director said the conference is expected to generate practical insights for improving service delivery, strengthen institutional collaboration across the region and highlight communication strategies that work in real contexts, stating that “Ultimately, the goal is to move from coverage in theory to coverage in reality”.

According to him, “Social security must not remain a system people hear about; it must become a system people can access, understand, and trust.”

Emphasizing the importance of communication in improving inclusiveness and accessibility of social security apparatus, the Managing Director reiterated that “Communication is not just an add-on, but it’s about expanding coverage and building trust in the formal sector. And it is through communication that we should be able to really communicate and create awareness and close understanding of the social safety in workplaces”.

The ISSS Technical Seminar 2026 will hold at the Abuja Continental Hotel, from 22nd to Wednesday 23rd April, 2026

Faleye briefs Nigerians on ISSA West Africa Technical Seminar 2026.

--Highlights gains for national and regional economic development.

Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, MD/CE NSITF at the media briefing

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye has submitted that Nigeria stands to gain a lot from the outcome of  the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Technical Seminar 2026 coming up in Abuja later in April.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Abuja corporate headquarters of the Fund in his keynote address at a press briefing to flag off activities for the seminar, Barrister Faleye said hosting the seminar "will not only  consolidates Nigeria's leadership position in the region, but will strengthen social security delivery across the region serving as a catalyst for regional economic development."  He revealed that Nigeria committed to hosting the event last year in Guinea Conakry while the hosting right was formalized later in Kuala Lumpur.

R-L, Barrister Faleye, Mr Ayodele, and Barrister Samaila Abdu 

He stated that the event would serve to harness solution-driven opinions from stakeholders across nations and institutions as well as the private sector.

"Hosting the event for us at NSITF, is not just a  commitment to regional leadership but to share best practices and policies for a robust regional economy. Because our region share similar realities. Learning from one another is therefore essential. We must blend global best practices with our local realities." He submitted.

The MD praised his management team, especially, the executive directors for their selflessness and commitment as reflected in their underground work to make the event a success.  He further commended members of each technical committee working for a successful seminar.

On the timeliness of the event, Barrister Faleye said " The timing of the seminar is critical. It came at a time when social security is under immense pressure to evolve."

Faleye justified such regional seminar on the fact that  Due to the region faces similar realities of domineering informal sectors, large youth population, and communication issues.

Question is not whether social security is important but how to deliver it.

The objective of the seminar is to bring together stakeholders to brainstorm on how best to deliver social security and to strengthen how social security system work in West Africa." He stated.

On the theme of the technical seminar, "Improving inclusiveness and Accessibility of Social Security Services through Effective Communication,"  he revealed that it was chosen in conjunction with ISSA deliberately "because the challenge we have in west Africa is not the availability of schemes but knowledge of the availability of the services."

Communication is  not just a add on but central to expanding social security coverage.  He expressed optimism that "if we are able to communicate with people better we will achieve better results." 

"Coverage must be deepened much more than it is. Access must be simplified." He stressed.

Speaking on participation in the seminar, the NSITF MD/CE   said, "For us, social security is a multi-stakeholders engagement. We have taken pain to ensure all critical stakeholders must come together."

He revealed that other local social security institutions including, PENCOM, NHIS and relevant government agencies and their regional counterparts would participate in the seminar.

"We also invited development partners such as  UNESCO, to share their knowledge." He revealed.

Solicited media cooperation in disseminating information on social security services in Nigeria.

Speaking further on the goals of the seminar, Faleye said, " The goal is to strengthen institutional cooperation across the region. We compare notes and share ideas, to highlight communication strategies that will work in real life context, and most importantly, to move from coverage in theory to coverage in practice. That's the mandate that the president has given us under the Renewed Hope Agenda."

Nigeria re-entered the international social security space which we excited before, in the past 18 months of the Faleye-led management executive.

Stressing the importance of proper communication strategies for achieving total security coverage, he said social security must not just remain a system people hear about but understand and trust.

The MD expressed the Fund's preparedness "to hold and facilitate solution-driven talks around issues mentioned as he welcome all participants.

In response to questions from  members of the press on the challenge of an 80% informal economy sector to total social security coverage, Barrister Faleye revealed that there have been  "a better appreciation of the ECS by informal sector player since we came in." He further pinned the success on effective communication.

In attendance at the press briefing were the Executive Director Finance and Investment, Mr. Ayodele, Executive Director Administration, Barrister Samaila Abdu, General Managers, including the General Manager and Technical Assistant, MD/CE Office, Dr. Dayo Alao, head of Corporate Affairs Department, Mrs Bede, and members of the press.

The ISSA Technical Seminar 2026 will hold at the Abuja Continental Hotel, (formerly Abuja Sheraton Hotel), from Tuesday 21st to Wednesday 22nd April, 2026.

Easter: Faleye felicitates NSITF staff, commends their dedication to duty

Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barr. Oluwaseun Falaye, has celebrated staff of the Fund and commended their positive attitude to duty.

Faleye, in an Easter message on Sunday, congratulated the staff on the occasion of the rise of Jesus Christ from the dead and also reminded them of the power of sacrifice.

He said "As we celebrate this sacred season of Easter, we are reminded of the power of sacrifice, the promise of resurrection, and the hope that never fails.

"Easter is a testament to new beginnings, renewed strength and the victory of life over death. It calls us to walk on faith, love and unity; values that guard us not just in this season but in the mission we fulfil everyday at NSITF.

"To each member of our NSITF family, thank you for your unwavering dedication, resilience and commitment for protecting and empowering Nigerian workers.

"Together, we are making a lasting impact, building a future of security and dignity,” he stressed.

He wished all the staff a wonderful and fulfilling Easter celebration.

NSITF ready to align with Lagos on Employees' Compensation Scheme

 ...As Lagos approves full implementation 

NSITF MD/CE, Barriers Faleye (left) with Head of Service, Lagos State, Mr Bode Agoro at the parley

The Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has expressed its willingness to support the Lagos State Government to put in place the appropriate institutional framework for the implementation of the Employees' Compensation Scheme (ESC) within the state.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of NSITF, Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye disclosed this when he led the management team on a courtesy call on the Head of Service of Lagos State, Mr. Bode Agoro in his office on Thursday.

He said the purpose of the visit was to establish a clear and structured pathway for the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme within Lagos State.

The MD states: "We would like to assure you of our full readiness to support Lagos State through: Technical onboarding and advisory support, sensitisation across MDAs, LGAs, and public institutions, claims processing and compensation administration and occupational Safety and Health interventions"

He stressed that in order to ensure momentum, "We respectfully seek alignment on the following:Identification of the lead coordinating Ministry or Office; Nomination of a focal person or technical desk; and agreement to convene a joint technical session within the next two weeks". 

Speaking about the strategic nature of Lagos, Faleye said "We recognize the scale and sophistication of Lagos State: A large and diverse workforce, multiple MDAs and LGAs, strong administrative and payroll systems".

"We appreciate the opportunity to engage with you on a matter that directly aligns with Lagos State’s development priorities under the THEMES+ Agenda, particularly in the areas of governance, economic sustainability, and health and environment".

The MD further explained that "At this stage, our objective is practical and implementation-focused: To establish a coordination structure between Lagos State and NSITF; and to agree on immediate next steps for a seamless onboarding process". 

On the importance of the scheme, Faleye said "The Employees’ Compensation Scheme provides: Structured protection for employees in cases of workplace injury, disease, disability, or death; a framework for managing employer liabilities; and a mechanism for strengthening occupational safety for workers.

"Importantly, ECS serves as a direct enabler of key pillars of the THEMES+ Agenda: Under Economic Sustainability, it protects the workforce that drives productivity and economic output. Under Security and Governance, it strengthens compliance, accountability, and institutional credibility; and under Health and Environment, it promotes safer workplaces and preventive occupational health practices."

"From an operational standpoint, implementation rests on three key pillars: workforce data; contribution structure (1% of payroll); and institutional coordination."

"To ensure clarity and efficiency, we respectfully propose the following: Designation of a Coordinating Authority, a lead Ministry or Office to serve as the State’s anchor for ECS implementation, nomination of a Technical Focal Person / Desk Office, a designated officer or unit to interface directly with NSITF on: data collation Employer compliance Operational coordination Joint Technical Working Framework, A joint team comprising relevant State officials and NSITF representatives to commence workforce data mapping, onboarding design, and contribution modelling."

"We also respectfully highlight an opportunity to institutionalize compliance through existing State processes. This may include integrating NSITF compliance requirements into: Contract bidding, contractor pre-qualification and public procurement frameworks."

"This approach reinforces the Governance pillar of the THEMES+ Agenda by ensuring that all organisations engaging with the State meet minimum worker protection standards."

"We look forward to working closely with your team to translate this into an effective implementation model", the MD requested.

In his response, the HoS, Mr. Bode Agoro expressed appreciation for the gesture and immediately announced the full implementation of the Employees compensation Scheme in the state with the establishment of a unit in the state to manage the scheme.

Youths, Nigeria's Greatest Asset – Faleye

*** Says Social Protectionnis Bedrock of National Development 

Dr. Dayo Alao, GM)TA MD Office NSITF represented the MD 

Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, has described Nigerian youths as the country’s greatest asset, rather than mineral resources, infrastructure and money. 

Barrister Faleye made this submission in his speech as a guest speaker at the Student Mentorship Summit, 2006 organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) in Abuja, Thursday.

In his words, "In Nigeria, our greatest asset is neither oil, nor infrastructure, nor even capital, it is our people. More specifically, it is our youth - energetic, innovative, and fullof potential."

The MD added that to nurture that asset, the youth need guidance and support to achieve that potential. According to him, "potential alone is not enough; we need to guide, support, and protect it.”

“This event is part of our shared journey to shape Nigeria's future where our young people are not just equipped with skills, but also empowered to lead across sectors, drive innovation, and create sustainable progress," he stressed.

The NSITF boss, who was represented at the occasion by his Technical Assistant, Dr Dayo Alao, argued that empowering youth with the right tools, skills, and vision has become non-negotiable for national progress, adding that young people must be empowered to lead across all sectors.

He went on to suggest a to-do list, saying "We need to change the orientation of our youth, we need to shift from a mindset of entitlement to one of responsibility, from dependency to self-reliance, from consumption to production. 

“We need to inspire them to be job creators, not just job seekers, and encourage them to be innovators solving real-world problems, not just chasing certificates. We need to empower them to be leaders, driving change in their communities, not just waiting for opportunities to come to them."

Striking a nexus between social protection and the youth and national development he said, "As the Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, I'm proud of the role we continue to play - not just as a provider of social security, but as a strategic enabler of workforce resilience and national development.

“We're talking about creating a safety net that's not just reactive, but proactive supporting entrepreneurs, protecting workers, and promoting a culture of safety and productivity. 

“Investing in youth development is inseparable from investing in social protection. A protected workforce is a productive workforce, and that's what drives national prosperity."

"This is where the idea of sky bound leadership becomes not just relevant, but essential. It challenges us to rise above limitations, to think beyond silos, beyond sectors, and beyond the present. It calls for a generation of leaders who see connections where others see divisions, anticipate the future rather than react to it, and build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable systems. We must raise a generation of systems thinkers. Young leaders who understand how decisions in one sector affect outcomes in another," he submitted.

"Social security is not merely a safety net; it is a foundation for national development. Our mandate at the NSITF goes beyond compensation. It extends to ensuring workplace safety, promoting decent work standards, and protecting the dignity and productivity of the Nigerian worker," Faleye added, as he reiterated the Fund's commitment to expanding coverage of it's social protection and ensuring safe workplace.

He made a case for making social security a powerful driver of youth empowerment and national development, and the anchor of stability as he urged a proactive multi-sector approach to youth development and mentorship.

"The future we desire for Nigeria will not happen by chance. It must be designed, built, and sustained.," he concluded.

Earlier in his welcome address, the National Publicity Secretary of NANS, and convener of the event, Comrade Samson Ajasa, had said the vision of the Students Mentorship Summit was framed in the need to bridge the gap between Nigerian youths and opportunities that abound locally and internationally.

Providing more insight on the background of the Summit, Ajasa revealed that the success of the maiden edition held at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye last October led to the follow-up edition.

According to him, the Students Mentorship Summit 2026, themed “Skybound Leadership: A Multi-Sector approach to Youth Development in Tech, Aviation, Oil & Gas, Security, and Anti-Drug/Cybercrime Advocacy,” represents a bold step forward. 

“The theme itself speaks to ambition skybound. It reminds us that the aspirations of Nigerian youths must not be limited by circumstances but propelled by knowledge, mentorship, and innovation," he summed.

The Nigerian student union body presented the Managing Director of NSITF, Barrister Faleye, with the Social Protection Champion Award in recognition of his outstanding performance as the Fund's helmsman.

The event, held at the Merit House, Maitama had in attendance heads of MDAs, captains of industry, leaders of thought.

Dr Ulayi Inducted as Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations

Dr Emmanuel Ulayi

Dr Emmanuel Slaying has been inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, (NIPR).

Ulayi was inducted as a member of the prestigious institute alongside 481 other prominent Nigerians at the Bolingo Hotels, Abuja on Thursday.

The inductee, a journalist with over 25 years experience worked with many notable platforms including Vanguard newspapers and served as Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the former governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade between 2015-2023.

Ulayi, a political scientist, capped his academic pursuit with a PhD in Political Economy and Development from the University of Calabar having studied for his Bachelors in Political Science and Masters in Political Economy at Ado-Ekiti and Abuja respectively.

He currently works in the Corporate Affairs Department of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, (NSITF) where he is deploying his vast experience and wide contact in the media industry for effective communication of the Fund's policies, programmes and achievements.

Dr Ulayi with another inductee

Speaking after his induction, Dr Ulayi thanked the Board of NIPR for "recognizing my humble contributions to national development through effective communication."

He noted that the challenges facing the publicist have become more complex with the advent of the New Media. He promised to be more committed than ever in his duty as a publicist 

Ulayi has authored many books and articles. A widely travelled man, Dr Ulayi is married with children.

.Other inductees included Mr Ikenna Egwuatu, Mr Leke Bayewu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, former President of National Association of Women in Journalist s, (NAWOJ), Evelyn Onyilo, and Chairperson of FCT chapter of NUJ, Grace Ike.

The occasion was witnessed by members of the Institute, media moguls and other stakeholders.

International Women Day: NSITF Boss Bags TUC Award of Excellence.

The Trade Union Congress Nigeria Women Commission has presented the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) with an Award of Excellence in recognition of his visionary leadership and contributions to women development and commitment to gender equity.

Presenting the Award of Excellence at International Women Day Celebration and Award Night, the Chairperson, TUC Nigeria Women Commission, Comrade Esther Asabe Ahmadu, said Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye deserved the award because of his "visionary leadership, integrity and outstanding service, which have inspired progress and lasting impact."

She stated further that the award was in appreciation of Faleye's "unwavering support, and strong commitment to advancing gender equality, promoting decent work, and protecting the rights and dignity of women in the world of work."

Comrade Ahmadu added that the recipient "has  demonstrated a deep understanding of inclusive and equitable workplace through his visionary leadership and consistent support for initiatives that empower women,  promote fairness, and strengthen social protection for workers.”

While receiving the award, Faleye  expressed gratitude to the TUC Women Commission for recognizing his humble efforts. He dedicated the award to the "hard-working staff of the renewed NSITF" without whom he said, nothing could have been achieved.

Faleye reiterated his commitment to advancing gender inclusiveness and equality, and promotion of safe and healthy workplace for all workers.

The award night which held in Abuja Wednesday, capped a series of activities by the Commission in commemoration of 2026 International Women Day.