NASSIT Urges Stronger Institutional Cooperation on Social Security Compliance
The Deputy Director General in charge of Operations at National Social Security and Insurance Trust, Edwin Mohamed Kamara, has called on the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority and other key institutions to strengthen collaboration with the Trust to ensure full enforcement of the NASSIT Act, particularly regarding compliance with the Social Security Clearance Certificate requirement.
Mr. Kamara made the appeal on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, during an engagement held at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Cline Town, Freetown.
Speaking on behalf of NASSIT Director General Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, Kamara commended the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority for meeting its contribution obligations to the Scheme.
“Our records show that you are compliant with contribution payments. You therefore deserve praise,” he stated.
Despite the commendation, Kamara expressed concern over outstanding contributions relating to foreign workers, contract staff, and casual workers. He also highlighted the absence of the NASSIT Social Security Clearance Certificate among the required documentation for the import and export of goods through ports and factories.
Citing Section 31 of the NASSIT Act of July 20, 2001, Kamara explained that employers are legally required to obtain a valid Social Security Clearance Certificate for activities involving the import, export, or clearance of goods within Sierra Leone.
He stressed that while some institutions are already complying with the regulation, the active involvement of the Ports and Harbours Authority and other relevant bodies remains essential to ensuring that the clearance certificate becomes a standard requirement in all related transactions.
Kamara also referenced the establishment of “Project 54+,” an initiative introduced by Director General Mohamed Fuaad Daboh under the slogan “Prepare To Appear,” aimed at reducing delays in benefit payments and improving service delivery.
General Manager in charge of Operations at NASSIT, Mohamed Sam, emphasized the importance of accurate membership records and advised contributors to ensure that their personal details in the NASSIT system correspond with official documents.
“Your data, such as names and dates of birth for you and your dependants on all documents and certificates, should match those in the NASSIT system,” he advised.
Responding on behalf of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, Company Secretary Martin Maada George assured NASSIT of the institution’s continued compliance with statutory obligations, including the consistent deduction and remittance of the mandatory 15 percent NASSIT contributions.
He also encouraged NASSIT to intensify public awareness and education campaigns to improve understanding and cooperation among the Customs Local Union, the Importers and Exporters Association, and the wider public regarding the Social Security Clearance Certificate requirement.
George further disclosed that the Authority would submit a list of staff approaching retirement to NASSIT to facilitate the necessary processing and support.
The meeting ended with an interactive question-and-answer session, highlighting the importance of continued engagement and collaboration between institutions in strengthening social security compliance nationwide.
