NSITF Opens Doors to Gambia, Showcases Nigeria's Workers' Compensation Model

"The NSITF has significantly expanded the scheme in recent years, enrolling over 7.6 million workers and broadening compensation coverage for employees who suffer work-related injuries, disabilities or death." Barr. Faleye, NSITF MD 

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has begun a week-long study tour for a delegation from The Gambia, positioning Nigeria's Employees' Compensation Scheme (ECS) as a model for strengthening workplace injury insurance and social security systems across Africa.

The delegation, drawn from the Board of the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund of The Gambia's Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC), is in Nigeria to understudy the administration and implementation of the Employees' Compensation Scheme.

Declaring the programme open in Abuja on Monday, NSITF Managing Director and Chief Executive, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, described the visit as a testament to the growing confidence in Nigeria's social insurance reforms and an opportunity for both countries to exchange ideas on protecting workers.

Falaye said the study tour would expose the Gambian officials to the legal framework, operational structure, claims management process and institutional practices that have shaped the Fund's implementation of the Employees' Compensation Scheme.

He noted that the NSITF has significantly expanded the scheme in recent years, enrolling over 7.6 million workers and broadening compensation coverage for employees who suffer work-related injuries, disabilities or death.

According to him, the visit also reflects the growing spirit of regional cooperation in advancing social protection across Africa

Leader of the Gambian delegation and Chairman of the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund Board, Alhaji Fanding Trawally, said the team was eager to learn from Nigeria's experience in administering a compensation system that has earned continental recognition.

He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained during the tour would support ongoing efforts to strengthen The Gambia's industrial injuries compensation framework and improve protection for workers back home.

The week-long programme includes technical sessions, presentations and field visits designed to provide the delegation with first-hand insight into the operations of the NSITF and the administration of the Employees' Compensation Scheme.