NASSIT Partners with Media to Extend Social Security to Informal Sector
By Abdul Rahman Bah
The National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) convened a strategic media seminar on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Freetown International Conference Center in Aberdeen to extend social security to the Informal Sector. Under the theme “Moving into the Informal Sector and the Role of the Press,” the event gathered journalists, government officials, and development partners to explore how media engagement can accelerate social protection outreach to informal workers. In his welcome address, NASSIT General Manager Friday Koroma expressed gratitude to the media and stakeholders for their ongoing support. He emphasized that social protection is a fundamental human right and highlighted the need to educate the public—particularly those in the informal sector—about their entitlement to social security. Khalil Kallon of the Independent Media Commission commended NASSIT’s collaboration with the media, noting that consistent engagement has boosted public awareness and brought more media professionals into the national scheme. He urged journalists to continue advocating for social security and building public confidence in the system. Delivering the keynote address, NASSIT Director General Mohamed Fuad Daboh reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to expanding coverage to all Sierra Leoneans. He praised the media’s role in fostering transparency and accountability and cited recent milestones such as the digitalization of services, improved employer compliance, and enhanced public education campaigns. However, he also pointed out challenges, including enforcement issues with employers of foreign nationals, and called on the media to spotlight such concerns. A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of a strategic blueprint aimed at integrating informal sector workers into the social insurance system. Developed by the Informal Sector Technical Committee in collaboration with key ministries and development partners, the plan outlines a flexible, accessible scheme designed for the realities of informal work. The proposal has been submitted to the Minister of Employment, Labor, and Social Security for review. Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla emphasized the media’s critical role in shaping public discourse and influencing policy. He reaffirmed the media’s commitment to informing and empowering citizens—especially marginalized communities—through strategic communication. Trade and Industry Minister Alpha Sesay stressed the importance of formalizing the informal sector, which constitutes a significant share of the national workforce. He acknowledged the sector’s economic contributions and outlined reforms to improve access to financial services, streamline business registration, and offer legal recognition to small enterprises. The seminar concluded with a collective commitment from all stakeholders to advance inclusive social protection. With sustained media collaboration, NASSIT and its partners expressed confidence in achieving their goal of extending social security coverage to every Sierra Leonean, regardless of their economic status.
