NASSIT Unveils Draft Pension Scheme for Sierra Leone’s Informal Sector Workers
By Fatima Muhammad
In a landmark move to expand social protection in Sierra Leone, the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) has presented a draft policy aimed at establishing a pension scheme for informal sector workers.
The draft document was officially handed over by NASSIT Director General, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, to the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security during a formal ceremony in Freetown. The proposed scheme seeks to extend pension coverage to workers in the informal economy, who have long been excluded from traditional social security systems.
Speaking at the event, Daboh described the draft policy as a “historic milestone” and credited its development to broad stakeholder collaboration and technical expertise. He noted that establishing the scheme was one of the key mandates of his administration, as outlined in the performance contract signed with President Julius Maada Bio.
“This initiative is part of the President’s flagship projects and a reflection of his call for urgent action on broadening pension coverage,” Daboh said. “We have redoubled our efforts to make this project a reality and a lasting part of the President’s legacy.”
According to Daboh, the draft framework was shaped by a dedicated technical committee and informed by extensive consultations conducted nationwide. These efforts aimed to ensure that the perspectives and needs of informal sector workers were fully represented in the policy.
NASSIT reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the full implementation of the scheme and praised the dedication of the team involved in the policy’s development.
The draft policy is expected to undergo further review and stakeholder engagement before moving to the implementation phase. If adopted, it would mark a significant shift in Sierra Leone’s social security landscape, potentially offering income security to thousands of informal workers across the country.
