President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Nigerian workers are guaranteed social security and a dignified life after retirement.
The President gave the assurance in a message at the opening of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) 2026 West Africa Seminar in Abuja, themed “Improving inclusiveness and accessibility of social security services through effective communication in West Africa.”
He said the commitment is embedded in his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the protection of livelihoods and economic security.
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“Across government, we are deliberately strengthening institutions that form the pillars of Nigeria’s evolving social security architecture
“Through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, we have fundamentally strengthened workplace injury protection
“Today, over 7.5 million Nigerian employees are covered under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, ensuring that when workplace accidents or disabilities occur, families are protected from sudden economic ruin,” President Tinubu emphasised.
He further said that compensation payments reinforce the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
Represented by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, the President disclosed that over 10 million Nigerian workers are contributing to the Contributory Pension Scheme, with pension assets exceeding ₦25 trillion.
“Today, under the oversight of the National Pension Commission, over 10 million Nigerian workers are actively contributing to the Contributory Pension Scheme, with pension assets now exceeding ₦25 trillion,” the President revealed.
He explained that data integration through the National Social Register is central to expanding social protection coverage nationwide.
“Our objective is clear, to move toward an integrated and digitally enabled social protection system, where pensions, healthcare, employment support, social assistance, housing, and compensation programmes operate not in isolation, but as coordinated guarantees of social and economic security,” he affirmed.
The President observed that West Africa faces both opportunities and vulnerabilities in its workforce dynamics.
“We are one of the youngest regions in the world, blessed with extraordinary human energy, entrepreneurial drive, and demographic promise; yet we are also a region where vulnerability remains a daily reality for millions,” the Nigerian Leader noted.
He stressed the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in strengthening social protection systems.
“The ISSA provides an invaluable platform for shared learning and collaboration. This seminar is not merely about messaging techniques; it is about strengthening the social contract between governments and citizens,” President Tinubu stressed.
On communication, the President underscored its role in building trust between governments and citizens.
“Communication is not public relations. It is the bridge between government and citizens. It is the architecture of trust,” he explained.
“If we are to communicate social security effectively in West Africa, we cannot rely solely on technical circulars. Our people communicate through community, culture, conversation, and shared experience,” the President added.
In his remarks, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting workers’ welfare.
“Established under the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010, the NSITF serves as a critical vehicle for delivering social security to workers by providing compensation for workplace injuries, disabilities, and death
“Through effective oversight, we ensure that the Fund remains aligned with international best practices, including those championed by the ISSA, while fulfilling its statutory responsibility of protecting the workforce
“Our commitment is to continue strengthening this institution so that no worker is left vulnerable in the face of occupational risks,” the Minister assured.
He also urged participants to maximise the platform for collaboration.
“I encourage all participants to engage openly, share experiences candidly, and build partnerships that will endure well beyond this gathering,” Dingyadi advised.
Also speaking, Secretary-General of the ISSA, Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, highlighted the role of communication in strengthening social security systems.
He said effective communication enhances transparency, engagement and service delivery, while encouraging participation and trust.
Chairman of the ISSA Liaison Office for West Africa, Kwesi Afreh Biney, noted that many workers remain excluded due to gaps in accessibility and communication, calling for urgent reforms.
In a goodwill message, Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Mrs Vanessa Phala, said the seminar is timely as social protection gains renewed global attention.
The seminar provides a platform for West African countries to benchmark their systems against global standards, exchange knowledge and deepen regional collaboration.