Faleye Leads Digital Reform Drive As NSITF Champions Inclusive Social Security in West Africa

Oluwaseun Faleye Esq 
MD NSITF 

"Social security institutions must adapt to a rapidly changing labour environment driven by digitalisation, informal employment growth, and rising expectations for efficient service delivery." Faleye Esq 

..... Says "the NSITF is undergoing a structured digital transformation aimed at improving claims processing, strengthening data systems, and enhancing transparency in service delivery."

Abuja, Nigeria — The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Oluwaseun Faleye, has called for accelerated digital transformation and stronger institutional reforms to improve social security delivery across West Africa.

Faleye made the call in Abuja at a regional technical seminar organised by the International Social Security Association, which brought together policymakers, regulators, and social security institutions from across the sub-region.

The seminar, themed; “Improving Inclusiveness and Accessibility of Social Security Services Through Effective Communication in West Africa,” focused on expanding coverage, strengthening trust, and improving access to social protection systems, particularly for informal and vulnerable workers.

Faleye said social security institutions must adapt to a rapidly changing labour environment driven by digitalisation, informal employment growth, and rising expectations for efficient service delivery.

He disclosed that the NSITF is undergoing a structured digital transformation aimed at improving claims processing, strengthening data systems, and enhancing transparency in service delivery.

According to him, communication and technology are now central to expanding coverage and rebuilding public confidence in social security systems.

Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi
Minister of Labour and Employment 

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and expanding coverage to workers across all sectors.

He noted that ongoing reforms, including efforts to extend social security to the informal sector and align with international labour standards, reflect Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive development.

Chairman of the ISSA Liaison Office for West Africa, Kwesi Afreh Biney, said millions of workers in the region remain outside formal protection systems not due to absence of structures, but because of gaps in accessibility and communication.

He stressed that communication has become a strategic tool for building trust, improving awareness, and driving participation in social security schemes.

Similarly, Secretary-General of the ISSA, Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, highlighted the importance of communication as a core pillar of modern social security systems, noting its role in transparency, engagement, and service delivery.

He also underscored the need for stronger institutional capacity and digital innovation to ensure social protection systems remain relevant and effective in a changing global environment.