ISSA 2026: How NSITF is driving inclusive social security through effective communication

By Dr Emmanuel Ulayi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

When delegates from across West Africa converged on the Abuja Continental Hotel April 22-23, 2026, the agenda was clear but ambitious: to rewire how social security services reach the people who need them most. For two days, the International Social Security Association (ISSA) 2026 West Africa Technical Seminar put one tool at the centre of that mission — effective communication. The seminar brought together key stakeholders to confront persistent gaps in reach and understanding — and to position communication as the bridge to truly inclusive coverage.

Under the theme, “Improving inclusiveness and accessibility of social security services through effective communication in West Africa”, policymakers and administrators brainstormed on a simple question: What good is a safety net if the people it’s meant to catch don’t know it exists, or can’t reach it? Of course, for millions across West Africa, social security remains a promise that feels out of reach — lost in complex forms, unfamiliar language, or simply never heard of. The gathering united social security institutions under a shared goal: to use better, clearer communication to tear down barriers and make services genuinely inclusive and accessible for all.

One of the discoveries at the ISSA 2026 was that social security in West Africa has a coverage problem. But NSITF has an answer. At the seminar, NSITF showcased how it moved from protecting office workers to enrolling market traders, artisans, and gig drivers — groups once written off as “too hard to reach.” The shift is technical, political, and deeply practical. And it’s forcing a new question across ECOWAS: if Nigeria can do it, why can’t everyone else?

Setting the tone for the seminar, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the NSITF, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, in his welcome address, told delegates that the gathering represents an important moment of continuity within the ISSA West Africa family. “Many of us will recall that in 2025, our colleagues in the Republic of Guinea graciously hosted the annual Technical Session of the ISSA West Africa Region in Conakry. My team and I were privileged to attend that meeting, which brought together sister institutions from across the sub-region in a spirit of openness, peer learning, and regional solidarity. The discussions were open and deeply reflective of our common realities, coverage gaps, informality, financing pressures, and the accelerating pace of change in the world of work”.

He said the theme of the seminar speaks directly to the moment: accessibility, effectiveness, inclusiveness, and the strategic use of digitisation in social security administration. These, according to him, are not abstract ideals. They are practical measures of whether institutions can keep pace with the changing lives and livelihoods of the people they exist to protect.

In his words, “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 emphasised that Nigeria, with a large and youthful population, a dynamic labour market, and one of the largest informal economies in Africa, required a responsive and strong social protection system, disclosing that the NSITF, under the Employees’ Compensation Act of 2010, carries a statutory responsibility to provide compensation for work-related injuries, occupational diseases, disabilities, and death.

“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. Digital transformation is not a one-off project; it is a continuous process that demands skills, governance, cybersecurity, and above all, institutional culture. This is why gatherings such as this Technical Session are invaluable. They allow us to learn from one another, to adapt tested solutions, and to avoid costly missteps”.

The MD commended ISSA for offering a springboard for the region, saying, “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. We are deeply grateful for the trust reposed in Nigeria and in NSITF to host this session, and we do not take that trust lightly”.

While declaring the Seminar opened, Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said West Africa stands at a historic crossroads as one of the youngest regions in the world, blessed with extraordinary human energy, entrepreneurial drive, and demographic promise. He lamented that despite the resources, “Yet we are also a region where vulnerability remains a daily reality for millions, vulnerability to economic transitions, to health shocks, to workplace accidents, to unemployment, and to the quiet insecurity that follows uncertainty”.

The president, who stressed why social security matters, “not as theory, not as policy jargon, but as the thin line between stability and despair”, admitted that Nigeria’s journey with social security has not been a straight line but a process of hard lessons, aggressive reforms, and continuous renewal.

“Today, under the oversight of the National Pension Commission, over 10 million Nigerian workers are actively contributing to the Contributory Pension Scheme, with pension assets now exceeding ₦25 trillion, according to data published by the National Pension Commission. Now, those figures are impressive, but the true success of the pension reform cannot be measured merely in trillions of naira. What those assets represent is trust, the hard-earned savings of Nigerian workers who now have confidence that after a lifetime of service, retirement will not mean hardship, uncertainty, or loss of dignity, but security and peace of mind.

“Through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, we have fundamentally strengthened workplace injury protection. Today, over 7.5 million Nigerian employees are covered under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, ensuring that when workplace accidents or disabilities occur, families are protected from sudden economic ruin. Every compensation payment sends a clear message: those who serve this nation will not be abandoned”.

Tinubu, represented by the Minister for Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said since assuming office in 2023, they have driven the Renewed Hope Agenda with a clear objective: to restore opportunity, protect livelihoods, and rebuild confidence in our economy.

On the theme, the president reiterated that “Communication is not public relations. It is the bridge between the government and the citizens. It is the architecture of trust. If we are to communicate social security effectively in West Africa, we cannot rely solely on technical circulars. Our people communicate through community, culture, conversation, and shared experience.

“In Nigeria, information often travels faster through the marketplace than through billboards. That may sound light-hearted, but the lesson is serious: communication must be culturally intelligent. We must speak in the language of communities, markets, and workplaces, not only in policy documents”.

He advised the delegates that “West Africa must move beyond copying global models. Long before the gig economy became a global buzzword, our informal sector was already thriving through innovation and resilience. Our communication strategies must reflect our realities. The ISSA provides an invaluable platform for shared learning and collaboration. This seminar is not merely about messaging techniques; it is about strengthening the social contract between governments and citizens”.

In his words, “When communication improves, trust grows. When trust grows, compliance improves. When compliance improves, coverage expands. And when coverage expands, poverty and vulnerability decline”.

Also speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, said the theme was a reminder 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.

He assured that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment 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”.

In a goodwill message, Dr. Vanessa Phala, Director, ILO Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, restated their desire to support member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in their quest to gain universal and well-communicated social systems.

Phala, who spoke during one of the technical sessions, said the path toward universal, accessible, and well-communicated social protection systems in West Africa is within reach, but it requires decisive action, sustained investment, and above all, a shared commitment to leaving no one behind.

“The ILO Abuja Country Office and Liaison Office for ECOWAS remain steadfast in its commitment to supporting member states in this journey. Through technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity-building, we stand ready to help translate vision into reality”, she stated.

She urged all the stakeholders to seize the opportunity of the seminar to accelerate progress, strengthen cooperation, and build systems that truly serve all the people, stressing that social security is a human right and a social and economic necessity.

Presenting a keynote address, the Secretary General of ISSA, Mr. Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, appreciated ISSA’s long-standing and fruitful collaboration with Nigeria and our member institutions in your country. “This collaboration has had many positive results, and we are grateful for your commitment to international exchange as part of our unique regional and global social security community”.

He informed that the ISSA is the world's leading organisation of social security institutions and ministries, revealing that “Today, we bring together more than 340 member institutions in 165 countries. To effectively support our members, our activities are based on three pillars, namely to provide relevant and practical knowledge resources, to give access to valuable networks and finally to promote social security and the role of social security institutions at different levels.

“This Seminar is fully in line with what ISSA is all about: we will share highly relevant knowledge on a key issue in social security, we will have ample opportunity to exchange and network, and we will send a key message about the commitment of social security to reach out to all population groups.

“It is part of the wider ISSA activities in Africa of which a true highlight is upcoming. I am pleased that our membership of 109 institutions from 48 countries in Africa will soon come together at the Regional Social Security Forum for Africa (RSSF Africa 2026) in Kampala, Uganda, from 1-3 September this year,” he further stated..

The ISSA 2026, which ended on a high note was attended by delegates and stakeholders from across the world including the Director General, SSNIT, THE Manager, ISSA Liaison office, West Africa, Nana Asor Ampem Asare, representative of social security institutions, ministers and heads of agencies and parastatals across the region, the President of ISSA, West Africa Region, representatives of governments across West Africa and beyond, members of the Diplomatic Corps, development partners and technical experts.

Our guest writer, Ulayi, PhD, is of the Corporate Affairs Department of NSITF.

ECS: NSITF assures Lagos govt of support for effective implementation

 ...Trains  MDAs relations officers 

Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye and Mrs Oyagbola at the workshop 

Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), has assured Lagos State Government of its willingness to provide all the required technical and operational expertise for the seamless implementation of the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) in the state.

Managing Director/CE, Barrister Oluwaseun Falaye, gave the assurance at a sensitisation workshop for Employee Relations Officers for Lagos State MDAs on Wednesday in Lagos.

“Let me also assure you that the NSITF remains fully committed to supporting this process. We bring not only the legal and institutional mandate, but also the technical expertise, operational experience, and systems required to ensure effective and seamless implementation. More importantly, we will continue to work closely with all MDAs, providing guidance and support at every stage of this process," Faleye said in his address to participants.

“This programme has been carefully designed to provide you with practical knowledge and actionable insights. Experienced resource persons will take you through the key aspects of the Scheme, including its benefits, compliance requirements, payroll processes, schedules of payment, and the critical role you will play in ensuring its success," he stated.

The MD explained that the theme of the programme, 'The Role of the Employee Relations Officer in Ensuring Effective Implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme,' speaks directly to that objective. 

Stressing the importance of human capital in policy implementation, Barrister Faleye said, the theme “recognizes that while policies provide structure, it is people who give them life. Your role, therefore, is not secondary; it is central to the success of this initiative."

“The Employees’ Compensation Scheme, administered by the NSITF under the Employees’ Compensation Act of 2010, is far more than a regulatory requirement. It is a comprehensive system designed to protect workers against workplace accidents, occupational diseases, injuries, disabilities, and even death arising in the course of employment. It provides structured support through medical care, rehabilitation services, compensation for temporary or permanent disability, and financial protection for dependents in the unfortunate event of loss of life.

"At its core, the Scheme represents a commitment—a commitment that when the unexpected occurs, the system will respond with clarity, structure, and responsibility. It ensures that no worker, and no family, is left to bear the burden of work-related incidents alone.

"One of the key advantages we have in Lagos State is that we are not starting from a position of limitation. The State already possesses strong institutional structures, well-organised payroll systems, and established administrative processes. What is required now is not the creation of an entirely new system, but the effective integration of this Scheme into existing frameworks, thereby strengthening them and enhancing their overall impact.

"In Lagos State, where the pace of governance is both demanding and unrelenting, the individuals who keep the machinery of government running are not merely employees performing routine duties; they are the backbone upon which the State’s stability, continuity, and progress depend.

"It is therefore both necessary and commendable that Lagos State has taken a deliberate step toward strengthening the protection of its workforce".

He explained that the training was the direct outcome of a strategic engagement between the NSITF and the Lagos State Government, which resulted in the decision to fully implement the Employees’ Compensation Scheme across the State Public Service.

“Following that engagement, we took a deliberate step to initiate this sensitisation programme, with a clear objective: to ensure that those who are responsible for driving implementation, particularly the Employee Relations Officers and administrative leaders across MDAs, are fully equipped, not only with knowledge of the Scheme, but with the capacity to translate it into effective action”, he stated.

Continuing, the MD reiterated that “When this Scheme is fully implemented—and I am confident that it will be, the benefits to Lagos State will be substantial. It will result in a workforce that operates with a stronger sense of security and assurance, a governance structure that manages risk in a proactive and structured manner, and a government that demonstrates not only authority but a clear and practical commitment to the welfare of its people. In doing so, Lagos will continue to set the standard for others to follow”.

Moving a vote of thanks, the Head of Service, Lagos State, Mr. Bode Agoro, promised that Lagos State, being the Centre of Excellence, always sets the pace and would also replicate that with the ECS.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs Sunkanmi Oyegbola, the HoS said: “Lagos, as the Centre of Excellence, will always set the pace by driving the process of the Employees Compensation Scheme in the sub-national by ensuring employees in the state government get the best ECS has to offer”.

She expressed the hope that the scheme will give the staff of the state peace of mind to do their work diligently and with all commitment. She also charged directors and heads of human resources in MDAs in the state to drive the process in their organizations to ensure the scheme operates smoothly in the state.

She further disclosed that an NSITF desk office would be established to ensure the process functions effortlessly in the state.

Strategic Outcomes from DIWA Gender-Based Violence Workshop and GDMAC's Renewed Call to Action

PRESS STATEMENT

Strategic Outcomes from DIWA Gender-Based Violence Workshop and GDMAC's Renewed Call to Action

The Grassroots Development Monitoring and Advocacy Centre (GDMAC), represented by Comrade Yinka Rasaki and Ms. Abdullahi Mẹdina, actively participated in a three-day Gender-Based Violence (GBV) capacity-building workshop organized by the Development Initiative of West Africa (DIWA), from 7th to 9th April 2026 in Abuja.

The workshop, themed “Empowering Civil Society Organizations as Gatekeepers and Champions Towards Addressing Gender-Based Violence: Strengthening Community-Driven Response,” brought together civil society actors from Kwara, Niger, Kogi, and Benue States. The engagement provided a vital platform to strengthen coordinated, evidence-based approaches to GBV prevention and response across communities.

Discussions throughout the workshop underscored the urgent need to transition from largely reactive responses to more proactive, preventive, and community-driven strategies. Participants critically examined the structural and socio-cultural drivers of GBV, including harmful traditional practices, weak data systems, economic vulnerabilities, and the persistent culture of silence that enables abuse to thrive.

A central concept explored during the workshop was Moral Ambition, which emphasizes the importance of aligning individual commitment and institutional capacity toward achieving sustainable social impact in the fight against gender-based violence.

Key outcomes from the workshop include the prioritisation of preventive interventions, strengthening of community ownership of GBV response mechanisms, and the need to improve data collection and management systems for informed decision-making. Participants also highlighted the importance of breaking the culture of silence, enhancing multi-sectoral collaboration, and fostering inclusive approaches that engage all segments of society.

Importantly, participants developed state-specific action plans targeting critical issues such as child marriage, domestic violence, human trafficking, and other related forms of abuse.

GDMAC commends DIWA for its leadership and commitment to building the capacity of civil society organisations to act as effective agents of change. The Centre remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing gender equality and eliminating gender-based violence through sustained advocacy, strategic partnerships, and grassroots engagement.

Call to Action

GDMAC calls on all levels of government to strengthen policy implementation, provide adequate funding for GBV prevention and response programmes, and ensure access to justice for survivors. We urge community and religious leaders to challenge harmful norms, promote positive values, and create safe spaces for victims to speak out. Furthermore, we call on civil society organisations, the private sector, and development partners to deepen collaboration and invest in sustainable, community-led solutions.

We commend development partners and donors who have been active on the issue of GBV as we implore them not to relent on their efforts.

Ending gender-based violence in Nigeria requires collective responsibility. Together, we must act decisively to protect the dignity, rights, and well-being of all citizens.

Signed:

Ms. Abdullahi Mẹdina 

Grassroots Development Monitoring and Advocacy Centre (GDMAC)

April 2026

ISSA 2026: Demand for responsive, stronger social protection system inevitable…NSITF MD

R-L: Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammed Dingyadi, Minister of National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Secretary-General of ISSA, Mr. Marcelo Ab-Rami Caetano, and NSITF MD/CE, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye at the Seminar

Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barr. Oluwaseun Falaye, has said that due to the expansive and growing population coupled with a dynamic labour market in Nigeria, the demand for a responsive and strong social protection system is inevitable.

Faleye stated this on Wednesday in his welcome address at the 2026 ISSA West Africa Technical Seminar holding in Abuja from April 22th to 23rd.

Barrister Faleye delivering his welcome address 

“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.

“Nigeria’s context makes these conversations particularly urgent. 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”.

A cross section of delegates at the seminar 

The Managing Director revealed that “At NSITF, we have come to recognize 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. Digital transformation is not a one-off project; it is a continuous process that demands skills, governance, cyber security, and above all, institutional culture. This is why gatherings such as this Technical Session are invaluable. They allow us to learn from one another, to adapt tested solutions, and to avoid costly missteps”, he stressed.

While speaking on the seminar, Faleye noted that “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. We are deeply grateful for the trust reposed in Nigeria and in NSITF to host this session, and we do not take that trust lightly.

“It is with profound honour, deep humility, and genuine pleasure that I welcome you all to Abuja, Nigeria, for the 2026 ISSA West Africa Technical Session. On behalf of the Board, Management, and staff of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, I extend our warmest greetings to our distinguished colleagues and partners who have travelled from across West Africa and beyond to be part of this important gathering. Welcome to Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital and centre of unity”.

Welcoming the participants, the MD said “Nigeria welcomes you not merely as delegates, but as partners in a collective mission. In our diversity of language, culture, and institutional experience, we are united by a common purpose: to ensure that social security systems remain relevant, responsive, and worthy of the trust placed in them by the people we serve. You are most welcome, and you are truly at home.

“This gathering represents an important moment of continuity within the ISSA West Africa family. Many of us will recall that in 2025, our colleagues in the Republic of Guinea graciously hosted the annual Technical Session of the ISSA West Africa Region in Conakry. My team and I were privileged to attend that meeting, which brought together sister institutions from across the sub-region in a spirit of openness, peer learning, and regional solidarity. The discussions were open and deeply reflective of our common realities, coverage gaps, informality, financing pressures, and the accelerating pace of change in the world of work”.

According to Mr. Faleye, “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.

“Our theme speaks directly to this moment, accessibility, effectiveness, inclusiveness, and the strategic use of digitisation in social security administration. These are not abstract ideals. They are practical measures of whether our institutions can keep pace with the changing lives and livelihoods of the people we exist to protect.

“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.

“Over these two days, I encourage us 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”.

In his submission at the seminar, the Minister for Labour and Rmployment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, said the theme of this Seminar "Improving Inclusiveness and Accessibility of Social Security Services Through Effective Communication in West Africa" is quite apt coming at a critical period in our national development journey." 

In his words: "The theme not only reminds us 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 over emphasised" he added.

Participants 

NSITF MD Faleye, Commissions ECS Help Desk at Head of Service

...Says it'll bring care, dignity to civil servants

…Nigerian govt committed to safety, welfare of workers

Barrister Faleye commissioning the ECS help desk.

Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barr. Oluwaseun Falaye, on Tuesday 21st April 2026, commissioned an Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) Help Desk at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The MD NSITF, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye with Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Waltson-Jack.

Faleye, said by the commissioning, the NSITF is institutionalizing the care, protection, and dignity for Nigerian civil servants, adding that "It is a bold statement that the Nigerian Government is not only committed to service, but also to the safety, welfare, and security of those who serve.

"What we are witnessing here today is a defining milestone, a significant step in the evolution of social security delivery within Nigeria’s public service. A step that transforms policy into presence and intention into impact", he stated.

The ECS help desk 

The Managing Director commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening social protection systems and prioritizing the welfare of the Nigerian workforce.

He also appreciated the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson Jack, for her visionary leadership, strategic direction, and institutional support that have made the initiative a reality.

"Your dedication to reform and continuous improvement within the Federal Civil Service is highly commendable Ma. We appreciate you for embracing this partnership with clarity of purpose and the commitment to building a more responsive and worker-centered system.

“To all stakeholders across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, your collaboration, openness, and alignment have been critical to achieving this milestone. This is a collective success, and it reflects what is possible when institutions work together with a shared vision”.

On the importance of the Desk, Faleye explained that “What makes today truly historic is that this is the first of its kind. For the first time, federal civil servants under treasury-funded MDAs are being systematically integrated into the Employees’ Compensation Scheme through a structured payroll framework. This is not just an operational improvement; it is a structural transformation. It ensures that from the very beginning”

Enumerating the structural composition, the MD stated that “Every eligible civil servant is captured.  Every contribution is accounted for. And every potential claim is anchored on a reliable and verifiable system. This is how strong systems are built; intentionally, deliberately, and sustainably”

According to him, the Employees’ Compensation Scheme Help Desk is the true engine of service delivery stressing that “This Help Desk is not just a physical office. It is a fully functional, responsive, and accessible one-stop service hub. A place where every civil servant can come with confidence and receive: Clear information, professional guidance, prompt support and effective resolution.”

Speaking further, the MD said the Help Desk has been designed to serve multiple critical functions including: Information and clarification hub. It provides accurate and timely information on every aspect of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, ensuring that civil servants fully understand their rights, benefits, and entitlements.

The composition includes, Advisory and Guidance Centre: It offers direction to staff and HR units across MDAs on procedures, documentation, eligibility, and compliance requirements, eliminating confusion and uncertainty.

Listing the interfaces of the help desk, Falaye maintained that, “The Claims Support and Processing Interface serves as the first point of contact for claims-related matters, guiding applicants through the process, ensuring completeness of documentation, and facilitating seamless submission."

“Issue Resolution and Escalation Desk: All concerns, complaints, or challenges will be promptly attended to and escalated where necessary, ensuring that no issue is ignored and no case is left unattended.

“Compliance and Liaison Platform: The Help Desk will work closely with ECS liaison officers across MDAs to ensure proper coordination, accurate data flow, and adherence to established processes.

“Data and Feedback Intelligence Centre: It will capture real-time data, identify trends, and provide insights that will help us continuously improve the Scheme, simplify procedures, and enhance service delivery.

“Sensitization and awareness channel: It will also serve as a platform for ongoing education, ensuring that awareness of the Scheme is not a one-time event, but a continuous process”.

He further noted that “With this structure in place, our commitment at NSITF is clear: We are delivering a system that is: Accessible, responsive, transparent and efficient.

“Our processes are now streamlined and coordinated, designed to ensure that engagement is smoother, responses are faster, and outcomes are more predictable.

“What we have done here today is not to repair a system, but to build one correctly from the very beginning. A system that works by design, a system that inspires confidence and a system that assures every civil servant that they are not just employees, but protected stakeholders in the Nigerian project.

“Today, we are not just commissioning a Help Desk. We are commissioning access. We are commissioning confidence. We are commissioning a future where every Nigerian civil servant can serve with the assurance that their welfare is secure, their dignity is protected, and their government stands firmly behind them,” he summed.

In her response, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson Jack, lauded the commissioning of the Help Desk, describing it as historic, while commending the president for his support and concern for the welfare of Civil Servants.

In her words: “This is historic moment, an act coming to life after 16 years, thanks to Mr President as it has added all that we have for the workers for their welfare. We are deeply grateful to Mr President for taking workers welfare a priority”.

The highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understating between the NSITF and OHCSF to strengthen the synergy. While Barr. Faleye signed for the NSITF, Dr Abdul Garba, the Permanent Secretary, service welfare office signed for the OHCSF.

Court to Hear FOI-Related Case Against NRS Boss Over Multi-Billion Procurement Projects.

Dr  Zacch Adedeji, Chairman, National Revenue Service (NRS).

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed Thursday, 23rd of April, 2026 for hearing the substantive case in a freedom of information (FOI) case against Dr. Zach Adedeji, Chairman of the National Revenue Service, (NRS). 

The court had earlier in March, 2026 granted an ex parte application for leave to commence judicial review proceedings in the case of President Aigbokhan v. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the National Revenue Service (NRS). The ruling marks a significant procedural milestone in ongoing efforts to enforce transparency and accountability under Nigeria’s Freedom of Information framework

The application, filed by public interest lawyer and award-winning access-to-information advocate President Aigbokhan, in Suit No: FHC/ABV/323/2026 challenges the alleged refusal of the National Revenue Service to disclose requested public records. 

The request relates to procurement processes concerning major public infrastructure projects, including the construction of the NRS headquarters in Abuja, its training institute in Minna, an office complex in Suleja, and developments on Lagos Island.

The court on 31st day of March 2026 ordered that the substantive suit to proceed, allowing the applicant to seek orders compelling disclosure and enforcing compliance with statutory duties.

Legal analysts note that while the ruling does not determine the merits of the case, it underscores the judiciary’s willingness to entertain claims aimed at strengthening public access to government-held information. 

The hearing of the substantive case is fixed for 23rd of April 2026 and it is expected to test the scope of disclosure obligations of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and could further clarify enforcement mechanisms under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and to specifically call the court to determine whether failure to disclose public record is a crime under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

“This is an important step toward institutional accountability,” Aigbokhan said in a statement. “Public institutions must operate within the bounds of transparency, and the courts remain a critical avenue for ensuring that legal obligations are not treated as optional.”

The case adds to a growing body of litigation seeking to address persistent barriers to information access in Nigeria, including administrative resistance, inconsistent compliance by public bodies and, most pressing - lack of sanctions.

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