CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN EXPANDING SOCIAL INSURANCE COVERAGE TO NIGERIA'S INFORMAL SECTOR

This seminar paper examines the challenges and opportunities associated with expanding social insurance coverage to Nigeria's informal sector, which accounts for the majority of the country's workforce yet remains largely excluded from formal social protection systems. The paper analyzes the structural, institutional, and socio-economic barriers limiting coverage, including inadequate policy frameworks, funding constraints, administrative inefficiencies, low awareness, irregular income patterns, and weak regulatory enforcement. Using a mixed-methods approach and drawing on policy documents, institutional reports, statistical evidence, and international case studies, the study identifies practical opportunities for reform. These include the adoption of flexible contribution models, the use of digital technologies for registration and premium collection, stronger partnerships with trade associations and community organizations, and institutional reforms to improve governance, transparency, and service delivery. The paper also examines successful experiences from Ghana, Rwanda, and India and considers their applicability to the Nigerian context. The paper concludes that expanding social insurance to informal sector workers is essential for reducing poverty, promoting decent work, strengthening economic resilience, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It offers evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), and other stakeholders to develop a more inclusive, sustainable, and responsive social insurance system that leaves no worker behind. Keywords Social Insurance Informal Sector Social Protection Nigeria NSITF Employee Compensation Scheme Public Policy Sustainable Development Goals Poverty Reduction Labour Market Social Security Governance Development Studies Inclusive Growth Africa