By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) has renewed its drive to expand social security coverage and deepen engagement with key stakeholders, particularly the media, as it outlined reforms aimed at extending protection to underserved sectors of the population.
The Director General of NASSIT, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, said the institution is intensifying efforts to broaden its reach through policy reforms and strategic partnerships, noting that journalists play a central role in shaping public understanding of social security and national development issues.
Speaking at the Trust’s Annual Press Cocktail held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Freetown International Conference Centre, Aberdeen in Freetown, the DG emphasized the importance of accurate, data-driven reporting. He urged media practitioners to go beyond routine narratives by incorporating statistics and evidence-based analysis to enhance public awareness of social protection systems.
He disclosed that the Informal Sector Scheme Bill has secured Cabinet approval and will soon be presented to Parliament. According to him, the proposed legislation is intended to expand coverage to workers in the informal sector, many of whom are currently excluded from the scheme. Mohamed Fuaad Daboh disclosed how the law will provide a structured framework for extending benefits to a wider segment of the population.
He further noted that recent policy measures, including the Government’s announcement of a new minimum wage, are expected to improve both contributions and benefits under the scheme. The Director General described the development as a positive step toward strengthening the sustainability of the social security system.
The NASSIT Director General also announced that the Trust’s Sewa Grounds facility is now fully operational, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery and expand institutional infrastructure.
Also speaking, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Alhaji Manika Kamara, highlighted the importance of journalists enrolling in the NASSIT scheme. He said the media remains a critical pillar of democracy, contributing to accountability, transparency and good governance through responsible reporting.
Alhaji Manika Kamara further called on NASSIT to support the media sector through initiatives aimed at strengthening capacity and sustainability, noting that a vibrant media landscape is essential for national development.
The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, urged journalists to prioritize their financial future by enrolling in the NASSIT scheme. He expressed concern over the low level of participation among media practitioners, describing it as a gap in social protection coverage.
He also called on media owners to comply with statutory requirements by ensuring that employees are registered with NASSIT and that contributions are consistently remitted, stressing that compliance is key to guaranteeing long term financial security for workers. The Minister emphasized that strengthening compliance across institutions will not only safeguard workers’ welfare but also reinforce the sustainability and credibility of the national social security system.
NASSIT described the Annual Press Cocktail as a strategic platform for strengthening collaboration with the media, fostering dialogue and enhancing public awareness of its mandate and ongoing reforms.
