By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) on Monday commenced a week-long study tour for the Board of the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund of The Gambia’s Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC), in a move aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and strengthening social security administration across Africa.
The study tour was formally declared open at the Fund’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja by the Managing Director and Chief Executive of NSITF, Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, who described the engagement as a historic opportunity for both institutions to exchange ideas, share best practices, and enhance the delivery of social security benefits to workers.
Represented by the Executive Director, Administration, Barr. Samaila Abdu, Faleye said the visit would enable the Gambian delegation to undertake a comprehensive study of the operations of Nigeria’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS), while fostering stronger institutional ties between both organisations.
“This engagement is not merely procedural; it is a solemn occasion of historic significance,” Faleye said. “It provides a noble platform through which both institutions may exchange knowledge, compare experiences, and glean invaluable insights that will enrich our shared mission of delivering social security benefits to our citizens.”
He reaffirmed NSITF’s commitment to its partnership with the SSHFC and expressed confidence that the knowledge gained during the study tour would advance the objectives of both organisations and improve social protection systems in Nigeria and The Gambia.
The week-long programme will feature technical sessions, facility tours, and policy discussions focused on the administration of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, service delivery, and institutional best practices.
Earlier, the Executive Director, Finance and Investment, Olufemi Ayodele Samuel, welcomed the Gambian delegation, describing the study visit as a strategic initiative to promote cross-border cooperation in industrial injuries compensation and social security administration.
Samuel said the engagement would provide an avenue to explore practical approaches to workplace accident prevention, disability benefits, survivors’ compensation, and effective management of social protection funds.
“We are here to flag off a highly anticipated capacity-building and study visit. This engagement is designed to foster cross-border cooperation, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaboration in the critical areas of industrial injuries compensation and social security administration,” he said.
He added that the visit would also expose participants to NSITF’s operational procedures, claims management systems, and occupational health and safety practices, while laying the foundation for a long-term partnership between both institutions.
Also speaking, NSITF Executive Director (Operations), Barr. Mojisola Alli Macaulay, welcomed the visitors to Nigeria and assured them of a comprehensive exposure to the Fund’s operations, noting that NSITF has become a benchmark for social security administration in Africa.
In his response, leader of the Gambian delegation and Chairman of the Board of the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund, who is also Permanent Secretary at The Gambia’s Ministry of Trade and Employment, Lamine Camara, said the delegation was in Nigeria to learn from NSITF’s experience and strengthen collaboration between both organisations.
“It’s a way to sustain collaboration with sister organisations. We are here to learn from such engagement. We are motivated and would be glad to share all the experiences we learn here back home,” Camara said.
The NSITF administers Nigeria’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme, which provides compensation for workers who suffer work-related injuries, occupational diseases, disabilities, or death, while promoting occupational safety and health standards in workplaces nationwide.
The SSHFC is The Gambia’s statutory institution responsible for social security and housing finance, including the administration of industrial injuries compensation.
The study tour is expected to further strengthen regional cooperation and support the development of more effective social protection systems across West Africa.