In a stride towards enhancing the welfare of its citizens, the National Social Protection Bill 2024 has successfully moved to the legislative committee stage after completing its first and second readings in Parliament. This milestone marks a crucial development in the establishment of a comprehensive social protection framework in Sierra Leone, aimed at bolstering the safety nets available to all Sierra Leoneans.
The bill’s advancement comes on the heels of extensive regional consultations led by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security. These consultations were conducted in partnership with the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation, with funding support from the World Bank. The engagement process involved a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that the proposed legislation is inclusive and addresses the diverse needs of the population.
A notable aspect of the bill is the creation of a Social Protection Authority, which will oversee the Social Protection Bread Basket—a dedicated fund intended to support various social protection initiatives. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration between public and private sector efforts, thereby reinforcing Sierra Leone’s commitment to social welfare.
The parliamentary readings were championed by Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray, who emphasized the collaborative nature of the efforts behind the bill. He was supported by the Ministry’s social partners and key agencies involved in social protection, including the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) and the National Social Safety Net (NSSN). The bill now progresses to the committee stage for further discussion and refinement before it can be enacted by the House of Parliament.
