By Chinedu Echianu
President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger, more inclusive and better-communicated social security systems across West Africa, warning that millions in the region remain vulnerable to economic shocks and workplace risks.
The President, represented by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, made this known on Wednesday while declaring open the 2026 West Africa Technical Seminar of the International Social Security Association in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme “Improving Inclusiveness and Accessibility of Social Security Services through Effective Communication in West Africa,” Tinubu said social protection must move beyond policy frameworks to become a reality for citizens.
“Social security matters not as theory, but as the thin line between stability and despair,” the President said, noting that a single workplace accident, illness or job loss can wipe out years of effort for many families.
Tinubu highlighted ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s social security architecture, pointing to significant progress in pension administration, workplace compensation and healthcare access.
He said over 10 million Nigerian workers are now enrolled under the Contributory Pension Scheme managed by the National Pension Commission, with pension assets exceeding ₦25 trillion—an achievement he described as a reflection of growing public trust.
The President also noted that more than 7.5 million employees are covered under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, while over 16 million Nigerians have access to healthcare through the National Health Insurance Authority.
“These figures are not just statistics; they represent confidence that workers will not be abandoned after years of service,” he said.
He added that programmes such as the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and N-Power have empowered millions of Nigerians with skills and job opportunities, while social intervention schemes and housing reforms continue to support vulnerable households.
Labour Minister: Social Security Critical to Growth
In his remarks, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, described social security as a “fundamental pillar for social justice, industrial harmony and sustainable economic growth.”
Dingyadi reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening institutions under its supervision, particularly the NSITF, to ensure effective protection for Nigerian workers.
He said the seminar comes at a critical time when rapid technological change, expanding informal employment and evolving labour dynamics require urgent reforms in social protection systems.
NSITF Boss Calls for Digital Transformation, Regional Collaboration
Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, emphasized the need for innovation, inclusiveness and regional collaboration in strengthening social security systems.
Faleye noted that West Africa’s youthful population and large informal sector make social protection both urgent and complex.
“Accessibility, effectiveness, inclusiveness and digitalisation are not abstract ideas; they are practical measures of whether institutions can keep pace with the lives of the people we serve,” he said.
He disclosed that the NSITF is undergoing digital transformation to improve claims processing, data management and service delivery, while cautioning that technology must be supported by strong governance and institutional capacity.
Call for Action-Oriented Outcomes
Both Tinubu and Faleye urged participants to use the seminar as a platform for honest engagement, knowledge sharing and practical solutions that will strengthen social security systems across the region.
The two-day ISSA West Africa Technical Seminar has drawn policymakers, experts and development partners from across the region to explore strategies for improving access, inclusion and trust in social protection systems.
