By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA — THE Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) on Monday, officially launched a week-long study tour for the Board of the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund from the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) of The Gambia.
The study tour was declared open by the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, at the Fund’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
Faleye said the visit is aimed at undertaking a comprehensive study of the operations and best practices of Nigeria’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme, ECS, and at strengthening institutional frameworks between the two organizations.
“This engagement is not merely procedural; it is a solemn occasion of historic significance,” Faleye told the guests, adding that “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.”
Represented by the Executive Director, Administration, Barr. Samaila Abdu, the MD, said NSITF holds the partnership with SSHFC in the highest regard and expressed delight at receiving the delegation in Nigeria.
He noted that at the end of the exercise, he expects the lessons learned to advance the corporate aspirations of both NSITF and SSHFC, and ultimately benefit citizens of Nigeria and The Gambia.
The week-long engagement is expected to feature technical sessions, facility tours, and discussions on policy, administration, and service delivery under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.
The NSITF administers the ECS in Nigeria, which provides compensation for work-related injuries, diseases, and death, and promotes occupational safety and health in workplaces across the country.
Earlier in a welcome remark, the Executive Director Finance, Olufemi Ayodele Samuel, had said the study tour was designed to foster cross-border cooperation and strategic collaboration in critical areas of industrial injuries compensation.
“On behalf of the Board and Management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), and all relevant stakeholders in our social security and labour sector, I warmly welcome the Board of Directors and Management of the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) of The Gambia to NSITF.
“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,” the ED, Finance and Investment had stated.
He expressed optimism that “This visit will offer a platform to explore practical frameworks for workplace accident prevention, disability benefits, and survivors’ compensation. It is also an opportunity for NSITF and SSHFC to discuss the challenges of managing social protection funds and ensuring robust occupational health and safety standards.
“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”.
Also speaking at the flag off, the Executive Director (Operations) at NSITF, Barr Mojisola Alli Macaulay, welcomed the delegation to Nigeria and assured them of a robust study tour of the Fund’s operations, as NSITF is the standard for social security in Africa. She further enjoined them to enjoy the study tour.
Responding, the leader of the Gambian delegation and Chairman of the Board and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Employment, Lamine Camara, said the organization was in Nigeria to learn and share experiences and expressed delight for a partnership with NSITF.
According to him, “It’s a way to sustain collaboration with sister organizations. 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.”
SSHFC is The Gambia’s statutory body responsible for social security and housing finance, including the administration of industrial injuries compensation.
