By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swarray, has called for the urgent implementation of the Sierra Leone Informal Sector Pension Scheme, as the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) officially swore in a new Board Chairperson and two Trustees.
The Minister made the call during a swearing-in ceremony held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at NASSIT House in Freetown, emphasizing the need to expand social security coverage to the country’s vast informal sector.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Mohamed Rahman Swarray urged the newly appointed Chairperson and the Trust’s Management to expedite the rollout of the scheme, noting that it would provide critical protection for workers who currently operate outside the formal pension system.
He commended President Julius Maada Bio for appointing what he described as “an elegant and highly seasoned administrator and financial expert” to lead the Board, adding that the timing of the appointment aligns with NASSIT’s ongoing reforms.
According to the Minister, the Trust is currently reviewing its Act, strengthening service delivery systems and expanding its investment portfolio; developments, he said, require strong and visionary leadership at the Board level.
Highlighting the importance of the Trustees’ role, Mohamed Rahman Swarray stressed that they are custodians of the nation’s pension system, entrusted with safeguarding contributors and their dependants against risks such as old age, invalidity and death.
He also praised the leadership of Director General, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh and his Management team for what he described as transformative achievements, including the commissioning of a new district office in Moyamba, improvements in service delivery and a recent 10 percent increase in pensions across all categories.
Describing the informal sector as the “silent engine” of Sierra Leone’s economy, the Minister noted that it accounts for nearly 80 percent of the population, including traders, fishermen, artisans and commercial bike riders.
He reminded the audience of President Bio’s public commitment to implementing the Informal Sector Pension Scheme, stressing that fulfilling that promise remains a national priority. He further called for a strong partnership between the Ministry and the Board to enhance the welfare and dignity of Sierra Leonean workers.
In his remarks, NASSIT Director General Mohamed Fuaad Daboh welcomed the new Chairperson, describing her appointment as timely and strategic.
He noted that the Trust is currently undergoing a transformative phase, including the review of the NASSIT Act, modernization of ICT infrastructure, improved accessibility to services and ongoing progress toward rolling out the Informal Sector Pension Scheme.
Mohamed Fuaad Daboh emphasized that collaboration between Management and the Board would be key to achieving the institution’s goals, adding that NASSIT’s strength lies in its core values of respect, transparency, excellence and accountability.
He reaffirmed the Trust’s commitment to supporting the Government’s development agenda, particularly in promoting workers’ welfare and ensuring dignified retirement for all citizens.
Responding, the new Board Chairperson, Madam Isata Marrah, expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in her, and to the Minister, Trustees and Management for their warm reception.
She described social security as the bedrock of any progressive society and pledged to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to strengthen NASSIT’s mandate.
Madam Isata Marrah assured that under her leadership, the Trust would remain a reliable lifeline for contributors and would fully support efforts to expand coverage to the informal sector.
She also promised to bring renewed energy and experience to the institution as it advances its strategic objectives.
The ceremony marked a significant step in NASSIT’s ongoing reform process, with renewed focus on inclusivity, institutional strengthening and expanding social protection to all Sierra Leoneans. The programme ended with an emphasis that , “NASSIT, we care!”
