NASSIT Pushes Informal Sector Inclusion, Strengthens Compliance Drive at Annual Media Engagement
The National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) has intensified efforts to expand social security coverage, with a renewed focus on the informal sector and stronger compliance enforcement, as it deepens engagement with key stakeholders, particularly the media.
Speaking at the Trust’s Annual Press Cocktail held on April 9, 2026, at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Director General Mohamed Fuaad Daboh underscored the importance of inclusive reforms aimed at extending protection to underserved groups. He highlighted the critical role of journalists in shaping public understanding of social security and broader national development issues.
Daboh revealed that the Informal Sector Scheme Bill has received Cabinet approval and will soon be tabled in Parliament. The proposed legislation, he explained, seeks to establish a structured framework to bring informal sector workers—many of whom are currently excluded—into the national social security system.
He further emphasized the need for responsible and data-driven journalism, urging media practitioners to move beyond routine reporting by incorporating statistics and evidence-based analysis to improve public awareness of social protection systems.
The Director General also pointed to recent policy developments, including the Government’s announcement of a new minimum wage, describing it as a positive step expected to boost both contributions and benefits under the scheme, thereby strengthening its long-term sustainability.
In addition, Daboh announced that NASSIT’s Sewa Grounds facility is now fully operational, marking a significant milestone in efforts to enhance service delivery and expand institutional infrastructure.
Also addressing the gathering, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Alhaji Manika Kamara, stressed the importance of journalists enrolling in the NASSIT scheme. He described the media as a cornerstone of democracy, playing a vital role in promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance.
Kamara called on NASSIT to further support the media sector through capacity-building initiatives, noting that a strong and sustainable media landscape is essential for national development.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, urged journalists to prioritize their financial security by subscribing to the scheme. He expressed concern over the low level of participation within the media sector, describing it as a significant gap in social protection coverage.
The Minister also called on media proprietors to meet statutory obligations by registering their employees with NASSIT and ensuring consistent remittance of contributions. He stressed that compliance remains critical to safeguarding workers’ welfare and maintaining the credibility and sustainability of the national social security system.
NASSIT described the Annual Press Cocktail as a strategic platform for fostering collaboration with the media, encouraging dialogue, and enhancing public understanding of its mandate and ongoing reform agenda.
