By Joan Nwagwu
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has commenced a week-long study tour for a delegation from the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) of The Gambia.
The Managing Director of NSITF, Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, said at the opening of the event in Abuja on Monday, that the tour was designed to strengthen Gambia’s employees’ compensation administration.
Faleye, who was represented by the Executive Director, Administration, Mr Samaila Abdu, said that the tour would enable the Gambian delegation to study Nigeria’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).
He added that the two institutions would also exchange operational experiences and best practices.
He described the engagement as a “milestone” in advancing cooperation on social security administration between institutions.
He explained that the week-long tour would feature technical sessions, facility tours and discussions on policy implementation, administration and service delivery under the ECS.
According to him, the visit will deepen institutional partnerships and promote improved delivery of compensation services in both countries.
“This engagement is not merely procedural; it is a solemn occasion of historic significance.
“It provides a noble platform through which both institutions may exchange knowledge, compare experiences and glean invaluable insights,” he said.
The managing director said that NSITF values its partnership with SSHFC and remained committed to sharing its experience in administering the ECS for the benefit of workers and employers.
He expressed confidence that lessons from the study would strengthen the institutional capacity of both organisations and improve social protection outcomes for citizens of Nigeria and the Gambia.
Earlier, the Executive Director, Finance and Investment, Mr Olufemi Samuel, said the programme reflected the organisations’ commitment to strengthening cross-border cooperation in industrial injuries compensation.
Samuel said the visit would also provide opportunities to examine workplace accident prevention, disability benefits, survivors’ compensation and sustainable management of social protection funds.
“We hope this study tour will not only provide valuable insights into our operational procedures and claims tracking but will also serve as a foundation for a lasting, mutually beneficial partnership,” he said.
On her part, the Executive Director, Operations, Mrs Mojisolaoluwa Alli-Macaulay, assured the visitors of a comprehensive study of the Fund’s operations during their stay in Nigeria.
She said the tour would expose the delegation to NSITF’s operational processes and service delivery model, while encouraging stronger collaboration among African social security institutions.
Responding, the leader of the Gambian delegation and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Employment, Mr Lamine Camara, said the visit would promote learning and sustained institutional cooperation.
“We are here to learn from such engagement. We are motivated and will gladly share the experiences we gain here when we return home,” he added.
The NSITF administers Nigeria’s ECS, which provides compensation for work-related injuries, occupational diseases and death, while promoting.