President Bio Commissions NASSIT-Built Sewa Grounds Market

By Benjamin S Conteh

In a landmark move set to transform urban commerce in Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio officially commissioned the newly completed Sewa Grounds Market on Thursday, 18th September 2025, at Victoria Park. Constructed by the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), the state-of-the-art facility promises to modernize trade, improve working conditions for market women, and provide a model for socio-economic infrastructure development in the Western Area.

The commissioning ceremony drew a wide array of dignitaries, including cabinet ministers, parastatal officials, market stakeholders, traders, and members of the press, reflecting the national significance of the project.

Delivering the opening address, the Resident Minister of the Western Area, Ambassador Adekunley King, hailed the event as historic. He described the market as a symbol of good governance, inclusivity, and President Bio’s commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of Sierra Leoneans, especially the hardworking market women who have long endured harsh conditions under the sun and rain.

“This building is more than bricks and mortar. It is a beacon of dignity, opportunity, and renewal. It embodies the President’s vision and the financial and technical discipline of NASSIT,” Ambassador King stated.

Madam Fudia Gbla, Chairlady of the Sewa Grounds Market, expressed her delight at seeing the project finally completed. She recalled the challenges traders faced when displaced for construction, appealing for continued support for market women whose survival depends largely on small loans.

“We were promised a return when the market was completed, and today that promise has been fulfilled. Mr. President, we are poor people, and our only hope is you,” she said.

NASSIT Director General, Fuad Daboh, described the commissioning as one of the most rewarding moments of his tenure, recalling that the project had faced delays and regulatory hurdles, including a temporary ban by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

“Thanks to His Excellency’s intervention, the ban was lifted, and the project continued. Today, this market stands as a testament to the judicious investment of workers’ funds through NASSIT,” Daboh explained.

The market boasts an impressive array of facilities, including 171 toilets the highest number in any single facility in the country
1,700 trading spaces, nearly 1,000 lockup shops, a police post, fire station, CCTV security, a crèche, a hospital, and storage facilities. Daboh urged traders to take pride in the facility, warning that neglect would be a disservice to the President’s vision.

Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, praised NASSIT and the government’s determination to revive the stalled project. Quoting the adage, “God’s time is the best,” he highlighted President Bio’s decisive leadership in lifting barriers to completion.

“President Bio has proven he is a talk-and-do leader. By prioritizing the plight of market women, he has ensured this moment will be remembered as part of his legacy,” Minister Swaray said.

In his keynote remarks, President Bio expressed satisfaction at seeing the market finally operational. “This project was inherited and long overdue, but thanks to NASSIT’s dedication, it is now complete. It represents an important investment in our socio-economic infrastructure and directly supports the informal sector, which is vital to job creation and livelihoods,” he said.

The President announced plans to implement a pension scheme for market women, traders, bike riders, fishers, and other informal sector workers, tasking NASSIT with its execution.

“This scheme will provide dignity and protection for hardworking Sierra Leoneans. NASSIT must safeguard this trust, as it is often the last hope for many workers in times of need,” he emphasized.

While acknowledging that the new market cannot accommodate all traders, President Bio encouraged further human-capital-driven investments and announced a reduction in market rent from NLe 12,000 to NLe 6,000 until the end of his tenure.

“This facility belongs to NASSIT, but it belongs to you more than anyone else. Care for it as you would your own home,” he told the market women.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, followed by a guided tour of the facility led by the Director General of NASSIT.

The Sewa Grounds Market now stands as a modern, secure, and inclusive hub, ready to enhance the city’s commerce while elevating the dignity and livelihoods of thousands of Sierra Leoneans.