By: yusufibrahimkamara@hopemediasl.com
In a significant step aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration within Sierra Leone’s labour and social protection sector, the Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, has officially introduced the institution’s newly appointed Board Chairperson, Isata Marrah, to the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray.
The introductory meeting, held at the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security in Freetown, marked Madam Marrah’s first formal engagement with the supervising ministry following her recent approval by Parliament to lead the governing board of NASSIT.
Welcoming the new Board Chairperson, Minister Swaray described her appointment as both timely and strategic, particularly at a moment when the social security institution is undergoing notable expansion and reform. He noted that the ministry looks forward to strengthening its partnership with the NASSIT leadership to improve working conditions and social protection for Sierra Leonean workers.
According to the Minister, the government remains committed to ensuring that workers across the country receive adequate protection and fair wages during their working years and a dignified retirement after decades of service.
“We should continue to work together to improve the wages and welfare of Sierra Leonean workers,” Minister Swaray stated. “Your appointment comes at a very exciting time as NASSIT continues to expand its operations and enhance service delivery.”
The Minister used the opportunity to highlight several recent developments within the institution under the leadership of Director General Daboh. Among these achievements is the commissioning of a new district office in Moyamba, which he noted is the first district office constructed by NASSIT since its establishment.
He explained that the expansion of district offices forms part of a broader strategy to decentralize services and make the institution more accessible to contributors and beneficiaries across the country.
Minister Swaray also pointed to the introduction of a more effective identification system for contributors, including the issuance of new identification cards designed to improve record management and service efficiency. He revealed that several additional district offices are expected to be commissioned in different parts of the country in the coming months.
In discussing the broader national context, the Minister referenced key policy initiatives introduced by the government of President Julius Maada Bio aimed at improving the welfare of workers. He specifically mentioned the recently announced increase in the national minimum wage, which is expected to take effect in April.
According to him, the wage increment reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that workers are adequately compensated for their labour and can maintain a decent standard of living.
“After contributing years of service to a company, workers should be able to retire with dignity and happiness,” the Minister emphasized. “NASSIT exists to ensure that contributors are protected against the contingencies provided for under the Act.”
Responding to the Minister’s remarks, Board Chairperson Isata Marrah expressed appreciation for the warm reception she received from both the Minister and the NASSIT leadership.
She described social security as a critical pillar for national development and emphasized the importance of strong institutions that protect workers and support their wellbeing throughout their lives.
“I am very happy to be here and grateful for the warm welcome,” Madam Marrah stated. “NASSIT represents a bedrock of our society because social security is extremely important for every nation.”
She further commended Director General Mohamed Fuaad Daboh for his leadership and the progress the institution has made in recent years. According to her, the stability and growth currently being witnessed within NASSIT are largely the result of the Director General’s dedication and strategic management.
“Our Director General is a very capable leader,” she noted. “If the institution stands strong today, it is largely because of the work he is doing.”
Madam Marrah also expressed strong support for the government’s decision to increase the national minimum wage, describing it as a positive step toward improving the living standards of workers across the country.
Additionally, she welcomed the ministry’s ongoing efforts to expand social security coverage to workers in the informal sector, noting that such initiatives are essential in a country where a significant portion of the labour force operates outside the formal economy.
She assured both the ministry and NASSIT staff of her commitment to promoting teamwork, transparency, and effective governance within the institution.
“I am here to work with all of you,” she concluded. “I believe that together we will make a meaningful difference in strengthening this institution and improving the lives of the people we serve.”
The meeting concluded with renewed optimism about stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security and the leadership of NASSIT as the institution continues its efforts to expand services and enhance social protection for workers across Sierra Leone.