NASSIT BOSS URGES GLOBAL SUPPORT FOR INFORMAL SECTOR PENSION SCHEME
The Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Sierra Leone, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, has called for international collaboration and support to enhance social security coverage for workers in the informal sector.
Speaking on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, during a high-level Technical Committee meeting with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Office in Abuja, Nigeria, Mr. Daboh highlighted the urgent need for a structured pension scheme that caters to Sierra Leone’s vast informal workforce.
He expressed deep appreciation to the ILO and its Director for Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia, Dr. Vanessa Phala-Moyo, for their continuous partnership with Sierra Leone, particularly in strengthening social protection systems. He emphasized the ILO’s critical role in supporting NASSIT through various initiatives, including the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP), capacity building on international labour standards, and technical assistance in developing a National Health Insurance Scheme (SLeSHI).
Mr. Daboh acknowledged the ILO’s strong backing in expanding social security to the informal sector, describing their support as instrumental in the rapid progress of the proposed scheme. He noted that since his appointment in 2018, NASSIT has worked closely with the ILO to lay the foundation for the scheme, forming steering and technical committees, conducting studies on social security priorities, and developing actuarial evaluations.
During the meeting, he formally presented a draft policy design for the proposed scheme and appealed for global assistance, particularly in recruiting a Resident Technical Consultant with expertise in informal sector pension schemes and social protection.
Representing the ILO Director, Mr. Diop commended NASSIT’s commitment to securing social protection for informal workers. He stressed the importance of expanding social security, advocating for legal reforms, and creating strategies that address the needs of informal sector workers while encouraging economic formalization.
Senior Social Protection Expert, Bachali Duramane, praised the progress made so far, reaffirming the ILO’s dedication to supporting NASSIT through capacity-building initiatives, expert consultations, and knowledge-sharing programs.
The meeting concluded with in-depth discussions on key areas such as membership structures, legal frameworks, communication strategies, and collaboration with global partners to enhance the success of the informal sector pension scheme.
Meanwhile, the NASSIT delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Sierra Leone High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Julius F. Sandi, who applauded NASSIT for its vital role in pension administration. He pledged to use his office to strengthen ties with the ILO and support efforts to establish a robust social security system for Sierra Leone’s informal workforce.
In response, Mr. Daboh expressed gratitude for the High Commissioner’s hospitality and reaffirmed NASSIT’s commitment to safeguarding and improving Sierra Leone’s pension scheme for the benefit of all workers.
NASSIT: We Care!
