114th ILO Conference: Nigeria, ISSA Deepen Partnership on Social Security, Workers’ Protection

"ISSA, regarded as the world’s leading organization for social security institutions, comprises more than 340 member organizations from 165 countries and serves as a global platform for policy exchange, research, and capacity building."

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND — Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social security and employee protection through deeper collaboration with the International Social Security Association (ISSA), as engagements continue at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva.

The commitment was highlighted during a high-level meeting between the Secretary General of ISSA, Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, and a delegation from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) led by the Executive Director, Administration, Mr. Samaila Abdu, who represented the Managing Director of the Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye.

The meeting underscored growing cooperation between Nigeria and the global social security body, with both sides emphasizing the importance of expanding social protection coverage and strengthening workers’ compensation systems.

Speaking during the engagement, Caetano commended the NSITF for its active role in advancing social security initiatives across Africa. He specifically praised the Fund for successfully hosting a major regional ISSA conference in Abuja earlier this year and lauded the leadership of Faleye for driving reforms and promoting social protection in the West African sub-region.

The ISSA chief also acknowledged the Fund’s contributions to the growth and development of the association’s activities both in Africa and globally, describing Nigeria as an increasingly important stakeholder in the pursuit of inclusive social security systems.

The meeting comes as Nigeria seeks to strengthen the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme and broaden access to social protection for workers, in line with international best practices.

ISSA, regarded as the world’s leading organization for social security institutions, comprises more than 340 member organizations from 165 countries and serves as a global platform for policy exchange, research, and capacity building.

The commendation follows NSITF’s hosting of social security institutions from across West Africa at an ISSA conference held in Abuja on April 22 and 23. The conference, themed “Improving Inclusiveness and Accessibility of Social Security Services Through Effective Communication in West Africa,” brought together key stakeholders to explore strategies for expanding social protection coverage and improving service delivery across the region.

Observers say the growing partnership between NSITF and ISSA is expected to further bolster Nigeria’s efforts to enhance workers’ welfare, strengthen compensation mechanisms, and align the country’s social security framework with global standards.