The Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Chernor Mamoud Jalloh and Deputy Director General, Mohamed Bangura, with senior officials of the Trust, paid a formal courtesy call on the newly appointed Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma Esq., at the Ministry’s Headquarters in New England Ville, Freetown.
The meeting provided a full briefing on the current NASSIT programs, operational priorities, and planned reforms. It also allowed the Trust to present its work plans and to seek close engagement with the Ministry, which provides direct supervision and policy oversight for the institution. The NASSIT leadership highlighted the need to work with the Ministry to ensure the Trust’s programs align with the Government’s overall vision for the labour and social security sector.
Both sides highlighted the need to strengthen institutional coordination to pursue policies that foster social protection and improve workers’ welfare. The NASSIT delegation highlighted efforts already underway to increase coverage, enhance service delivery and implement reforms aimed at making the pension and social insurance system more inclusive, efficient and responsive to the needs of both formal and informal sector workers.
Minister Umaru Napoleon Koroma welcomed the delegation and lauded NASSIT for its sustained commitment to implementing its mandates and advancing its reform agenda. He said that he was ready to work hand in hand with the leadership of NASSIT. Still, he added that a coordinated, team-oriented approach between the Ministry and the Trust would be critical to bring about meaningful and sustainable reforms across the sector.
The Minister reaffirmed his dedication to ensure the effective implementation of proposed reforms and ongoing initiatives to expand social security protection across the country. He stressed the importance of extending protection to vulnerable workers in the informal sector, while strengthening administration and accountability in the formal sector, with the ultimate aim of improving coverage and livelihoods for Sierra Leoneans.
Both NASSIT and the Ministry reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration, accountability, and implementing common priorities successfully. The engagement is expected to increase institutional efficiency and encourage inclusive social security coverage that protects workers and promotes wider economic participation.
The meeting further strengthened the link between the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security and NASSIT. It was a critical step toward a more responsive labour and social security system that protects workers, supports economic development, and improves citizens’ welfare across Sierra Leone.
