NIS contributor base expands by 41% amid economic growth

The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has expanded its contributor base by 41 per cent over the past five years, reflecting the significant growth in employment and economic activity across Guyana.

Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, made the disclosure while addressing the NIS 57th anniversary observance last Wednesday.

He highlighted the scheme’s continued importance to workers, pensioners and other beneficiaries.

According to Minister Singh, NIS added nearly 80,000 contributors between the end of 2020 and 2025, representing a 41 per cent increase in its contributor base. The expansion reflects both employed and self-employed persons entering the scheme as economic activity continues to increase.

The Minister noted that Guyana’s economy created more than 156,000 new jobs between the end of 2020 and the end of 2025, describing the period as one of significant and job-intensive economic growth.

He added that growth is occurring across several sectors, including mining, agriculture, construction, services, tourism, education, health and financial services.

The non-oil economy recorded 10.1 per cent growth during the first half of 2026.

Minister Singh also urged employers to ensure all employees are properly registered with the NIS and that contributions are paid over in a timely manner.

He encouraged workers to regularly check their contribution records to ensure they are accurate and up to date.

The minister said the continued expansion of the NIS must be accompanied by improvements in service delivery and the increased use of digital technology, as the government works to ensure that citizens can interact with the scheme more conveniently and efficiently. [DPI]