The Togolese government has taken a significant step towards reforming its social security system by adopting a bill to create the National Social Security Institute (INSS). The council of ministers, under the presidency of Faure Gnassingbé, met on November 6 to discuss and adopt the bill, along with one other project and one decree. The INSS aims to provide a more integrated and efficient social security system for public servants and their families.
Currently, the social security coverage for public servants and similar individuals is managed by two separate entities: the Caisse de retraites du Togo (CRT) and the Institut national d’assurance maladie (INAM). The CRT handles pension management, while the INAM is responsible for health insurance. However, this setup has led to duplicated efforts, increased management costs, and disparities in service quality. The new INSS will merge these two entities to streamline services and improve overall efficiency.
The INSS will be responsible for managing retirement and health insurance regimes for public servants, as well as their beneficiaries. This consolidation is expected to establish a single, unified service for insured individuals and pool resources to enhance service quality. The government aims to provide better care for public servants, both during their active years and after retirement, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the social security system.
The creation of the INSS is part of a broader effort to build a more integrated, equitable, and sustainable social protection system in Togo. According to the government, this reform demonstrates its commitment to improving the lives of public servants and their families throughout their careers and beyond. The INSS is expected to address existing challenges and provide a more comprehensive support system.
In addition to the INSS bill, the council of ministers also examined a bill to modify the June 14, 2018 land and domain code in its first reading. The code was a significant step towards modernizing Togo's land governance, but its implementation revealed some shortcomings and the need for adjustments to reflect technological, social, economic, and environmental changes.
The proposed modifications to the land and domain code aim to strengthen land governance, promote the use of innovative technologies, and ensure the protection of agricultural land and natural resources. The bill also seeks to secure customary and rural land rights, promote gender equality in land access, and address pastoral and climate-related issues. These changes are intended to improve the overall effectiveness of Togo's land governance.
The Togolese government's efforts to reform its social security and land governance systems demonstrate its commitment to improving the lives of its citizens. The adoption of the INSS bill and the proposed modifications to the land and domain code are expected to have a positive impact on public servants, their families, and the broader population. The government will continue to work towards implementing these reforms and addressing the challenges facing the country.
Key points
- The Togolese government has adopted a bill to create the National Social Security Institute (INSS) to merge retirement and health insurance into one institute.
