By Sallieu S. Kanu
The Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swarray, has called on the newly appointed Chairperson and Trustees of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) to expedite the implementation of the Informal Sector Pension Scheme. He emphasized that extending social security coverage to Sierra Leone’s vast informal workforce is critical to improving the welfare and dignity of workers nationwide.
The appeal was made during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Board Chairperson, Madam Isata Marrah, and two Trustees on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at NASSIT House in Freetown.
Minister Swarray praised President Julius Maada Bio for appointing what he described as “an elegant and highly seasoned administrator and financial expert” to lead the Trust. He noted that her arrival comes at a pivotal time, as NASSIT reviews its Act, expands coverage to the informal sector, and strengthens service delivery.
“You are the guardians of our national pension scheme, with a fiduciary duty to safeguard members and their dependants during events like old age, invalidity, and death,” he said, urging the Board to prioritize the informal sector, which he described as the “silent engine” of the economy, comprising nearly 80 percent of the population—including traders, fishermen, artisans, and bike riders.
The Minister commended NASSIT’s recent achievements under Director General Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, including the opening of a new district office in Moyamba, the introduction of improved service delivery mechanisms, and a 10% pension increment across all categories.
Director General Daboh welcomed the new Chairperson, highlighting her leadership as timely for NASSIT’s ongoing transformation. He cited progress in reviewing the NASSIT Act, modernizing ICT infrastructure, and advancing the Informal Sector Pension Scheme. He reaffirmed the Trust’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence, stressing that the institution is well-positioned to expand coverage and strengthen workers’ welfare.
In her maiden remarks, Madam Isata Marrah expressed gratitude to President Bio for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders. She described social security as “the bedrock of society” and vowed to ensure NASSIT remains a reliable lifeline for contributors. She committed to accelerating the rollout of the Informal Sector Pension Scheme, promising to bring renewed energy and expertise to the Trust’s mission.