NASSIT & Media Relationship To Shift From Transactional To Partnership

By Abdul Rahman Bah

The National Social Security and Insurance Trust press cocktail held on Thursday 9 April 2026 at the Freetown International Conference Centre, Aberdeen, Freetown, unfolded as a defining moment in the ongoing conversation about media sustainability, social protection, and institutional accountability in Sierra Leone. What began as a formal engagement quickly evolved into a candid exchange of ideas, concerns, and expectations between journalists, policymakers, and administrators.

At the heart of the engagement was a strong message from the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Alhaji Manika Kamara, who used the platform to challenge both NASSIT and the media fraternity to rethink their relationship. He acknowledged the importance of such engagements, but stressed that annual interactions alone are not enough to build a strong, independent, and impactful media landscape. According to him, the media must be treated as a strategic partner in development, not just a channel for publicity.

His remarks drew attention to the fragile state of journalism in the country, where many practitioners operate under difficult financial conditions with limited institutional support. He argued that without deliberate and sustained investment, the media will struggle to effectively carry out its constitutional responsibility of informing the public and holding power to account. In this regard, he called on NASSIT to take bold steps by introducing structured support systems, including funding mechanisms for investigative reporting, especially in areas tied to social protection and public finance.

He further proposed the creation of targeted training programs to enhance journalists’ understanding of complex financial and social security systems, noting that improved knowledge would lead to more accurate and impactful reporting. He also emphasized the importance of public education campaigns, suggesting that a well-informed citizenry is essential for the success of any social security scheme.

In a striking appeal to media owners, he highlighted the growing crisis of non-compliance with NASSIT contributions within the sector. He warned that many veteran journalists are facing retirement without benefits due to years of neglect in contribution payments. This, he said, must serve as a wake-up call for current media institutions to prioritize the welfare of their staff. He reinforced his ongoing engagement with labour authorities to push for better conditions of service, including the enforcement of a minimum wage for journalists.

Responding to these concerns, the Director General of NASSIT, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, adopted a reflective and forward-looking tone. He made it clear that the engagement was not about ceremony, but about initiating honest and transformative dialogue. He challenged both his institution and media practitioners to move beyond superficial interactions, urging a shift from transactional relationships to meaningful partnerships.

Daboh questioned the traditional model, where media engagement is largely limited to advertisements and event coverage, describing it as outdated and insufficient. Instead, he advocated for a more integrated approach, where the media is actively involved in shaping narratives, interpreting data, and engaging the public on critical national issues. He emphasized that the media’s role is not just to report events, but to deepen understanding and influence informed decision-making.

Drawing from his personal experience, he reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and engagement, noting that effective communication must go beyond headlines to include detailed analysis and context. He pointed out that NASSIT is currently undertaking reforms aimed at strengthening the social security system, expanding coverage, and improving benefits, but stressed that these efforts require strong media collaboration to achieve maximum impact.

The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, added a policy-driven perspective to the discussion. He expressed deep concern over the low level of participation in the social security scheme, particularly among media institutions. He described this trend as a serious threat to the long-term welfare of workers and urged immediate corrective action.

The Minister emphasized that social protection is not optional, but a necessity, especially in an economy where many workers face uncertainty. He called on journalists and media owners to lead by example by ensuring full compliance with NASSIT regulations. He also reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening enforcement mechanisms while continuing to engage stakeholders in dialogue.

As the evening progressed, it became clear that the event was not just about speeches, but about redefining relationships. There was a shared recognition that the challenges facing the media and the social security system are interconnected. A weak media undermines accountability, while a weak social protection system exposes workers to vulnerability. Addressing one without the other, participants noted, would be ineffective.

The discussions also highlighted the growing need for innovation within the media sector. With the rapid shift towards digital platforms, there were calls for investment in technology and skills development to ensure that media institutions remain relevant and sustainable. Participants stressed that supporting media innovation is not just beneficial for journalists, but for society as a whole, as it enhances access to information and promotes civic engagement.

In the end, the NASSIT press cocktail stood out as a significant step towards bridging gaps and building trust between institutions and the media. It reinforced the idea that collaboration, transparency, and mutual accountability are essential for national development. The real test, however, lies in the actions that follow, as stakeholders are expected to turn these conversations into concrete initiatives that will strengthen both the media landscape and the social security system in Sierra Leone.