By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social security and employee protection through closer collaboration with the International Social Security Association (ISSA), as the 114th International Labour Conference continues in Geneva.

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), said its partnership with ISSA has further reinforced the country’s resolve to advance social security coverage and enhance employees’ compensation schemes.

The commitment was highlighted during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the conference between ISSA Secretary-General, Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, and a delegation from the NSITF led by the Executive Director, Administration, Samaila Abdu, who represented the Managing Director, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye.

ISSA, the world’s foremost organization for social security institutions, comprises more than 340 member organizations across 165 countries.

During the meeting, Caetano commended the NSITF for successfully hosting a major ISSA conference in Abuja earlier this year and praised the Faleye-led management for its dedication to advancing social security and social protection initiatives across the West African sub-region.

He also acknowledged the Fund’s continued contributions to the growth and development of ISSA’s activities in Africa and at the global level.

The commendation follows the successful hosting of the ISSA West Africa Conference by the NSITF in Abuja on April 22 and 23, 2025. The event brought together social security institutions from across the region under the theme: “Improving Inclusiveness and Accessibility of Social Security Services Through Effective Communication in West Africa.”

Observers say Nigeria’s active engagement with ISSA and other international labour bodies underscores the country’s growing role in shaping social security policies and expanding protection for workers across the region.

The ongoing International Labour Conference has brought together governments, employers and workers’ representatives from around the world to discuss key labour and social protection issues affecting the global workforce.