By: Aminata Sesay
The National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) and the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding social security coverage to workers in both the formal and informal sectors.
The commitment was reaffirmed on Monday, September 7, 2026, when a NASSIT delegation, led by Director General Chernor Mamoud Jalloh and Deputy Director General Mohamed Bangura, paid a courtesy visit to 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 focused on strengthening collaboration between NASSIT and the Ministry and ensuring that the Trust’s programmes, reforms and operational priorities are aligned with the Government’s broader objectives for the labour and social security sector.
During the engagement, the NASSIT leadership briefed the Minister on the institution’s ongoing programmes, work plans and key priorities. NASSIT, which is responsible for administering social security protection in Sierra Leone, plays a critical role in providing social protection to workers.
Minister Koroma welcomed the NASSIT delegation and commended the institution for its continued efforts in implementing its programmes.
He expressed his readiness to work closely with NASSIT, noting that effective coordination and teamwork would be essential to achieving meaningful reforms in the country’s labour and social security system.
A key issue discussed was the need to expand social security coverage beyond workers in the formal sector. Minister Koroma emphasized the importance of ensuring that social security reforms and initiatives also benefit workers in the informal economy, many of whom remain outside traditional social security arrangements.
The push for wider coverage comes as Sierra Leone continues to pursue policies aimed at strengthening social protection and building a more inclusive system that can support workers regardless of their employment status.
The Ministry and NASSIT are expected to strengthen institutional efficiency, improve programme implementation and advance initiatives aimed at increasing access to social security protection.
The engagement also highlighted the importance of accountability and institutional collaboration in fulfilling the mandates of both institutions.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building a more responsive and inclusive social security system that protects workers, supports economic participation and contributes to the welfare and development of Sierra Leoneans.
The meeting marked an early step towards closer collaboration between the new Labour Minister and NASSIT leadership as they work together to strengthen social protection and improve workers’ welfare.