In a bid to strengthen media relations, the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) organized a well-designed cocktail party on Thursday, November 14th, 2024, aimed at fostering relationships with members of the press and recognizing their vital role in disseminating information to the public.
The press cocktail which was held at the Freetown International Conference Centre, Aberdeen, Freetown, brought together journalists from diverse media outlets, a cross-section of NASSIT management, staff and other key stakeholders, including the Presidential Adviser on Youth Affairs who also doubles as the president of the Sierra Leone People’s Party in North America, Chairman Desmond Pessima, Honorable Rachael Mariatu Sesay Pessima, Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swarray and Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, the President of Sierra Leone Association of Journalist (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasrala to name but a few.
In his keynote statement, the Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Mohamed Fuad Daboh, highlighted the institution’s initiatives, emphasizing the importance of transparency and collaboration with the media. He updated the media on the scheme’s strategic drive and efforts to enhance the public understanding of social security services.
Daboh expressed his gratitude to all the attendees for honoring the invitation to the cocktail event organized for members of the Fourth Estate. He stressed the importance of the partnership between NASSIT and the media in fostering understanding and support for the organization’s programs, particularly around information dissemination.
He stated that NASSIT was established by the National Social Security and Insurance Trust Act No. 5 on 20th July 2001 as a statutory public trust. Additionally, it is charged with the responsibility of administering a low-pension scheme. DG Daboh noted that NASSIT also provides retirement and other benefits to meet the contingency needs of workers and their dependents. He cited the NASSIT Act No. 5 of 2001, which says the scheme is compulsory for all workers in the formal sector.
He added that the same Act makes provisions for voluntary membership for those in the informal sector and the self-employed. He expressed that since his appointment by His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio to lead the institution, he has spared no effort in ensuring that the reason NASSIT was established is realized. In the last few years, Daboh revealed that they have focused on operations and benefits payments, which is the primary reason NASSIT was established.
He highlighted the NASSIT achievements under his leadership, including growth in total insured membership to 304,688 members and a cumulative pension roll of 32,100 individuals as of October 2024. He revealed that pensioners are paid on or before the 25th of every month to ensure that they and their families live comfortably.
Furthermore, Daboh discussed NASSIT’s commitment to enhancing customer service by implementing NASHIP, a platform that facilitates communication with members through various channels, including social media. He added that NASSIT has undergone a massive transformation in its ICT system to enhance service delivery and customer interaction. “This comes as part of the organization’s commitment to modernize its operations and keep up with the digital age we live in,” he asserted. DG Daboh highlighted the importance of ensuring timely benefits payments to claimants and beneficiaries, as delays could have negative social and economic impacts. To address such a critical issue, the organization established Project 54Cost to engage with customers aged 54 to 59 years and ensure their data is accurate for retirement benefits.
In addition to improving customer service, the DG stated that the ICT transformation at NASSIT would also have far-reaching implications for the public sector. The revamped system would set a precedent for other government agencies to follow, promoting efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness in government operations.
He further mentioned that NASSIT has expanded its presence in the Northwest region by opening a regional office in Port Loko City and constructing a new district office in Moyamba. He said the preceding efforts aim to enhance access to NASSIT services and build trust in public institutions.
He pointed out that the SEWA Ground Market Development Project, a socially targeted investment initiative, is nearing completion. Its aim is to provide a platform for the informal sector, especially self-employed and small-scale entrepreneurs. Once operational, the project is expected to reduce street trading in prominent Central Business District streets like Rowdon Street, Garrison Street, and Sani Abacha Street. DG Daboh announced that SEMCO, a subsidiary of NASSIT, would manage the facility and has already begun implementing administrative arrangements for operationalization.
“Efforts to expand social security coverage to the informal sector and self-employed individuals began in 2005, initially focusing on encouraging voluntary participation in the existing pension scheme designed for formal sector workers. However, due to the scheme’s lack of attractiveness to the informal sector, membership remained low, leaving individuals vulnerable to various social risks. In 2015, plans to establish a more suitable social insurance scheme commenced but faced challenges, leading to a partnership with the ILO for technical assistance in 2020. Progress has since been made in designing and operationalizing the new scheme, with national committees coordinating stakeholder input and financial projections.
DG Fuad Daboh States”, acknowledging the crucial role of the media in promoting social security awareness, the commitment of retired Julius Maada Bio, and highlighting the need for compliance with the NASSIT Act, and the importance of media support in advancing social security initiatives. He stressed that significant non-compliance with the 2001 Act was noted despite efforts to engage stakeholders, prompting a call for adherence to statutory obligations for media engagement. The performance-rated DG expressed gratitude for media support while underscoring the importance of scheme membership.
Daboh concluded his marathon speech by announcing that NASSIT would no longer pay media institutions for publications that do not comply with statutory obligations. To receive payment, media organizations must provide NASSIT clearance certificates, NRA tax certificates, and valid registration certificates. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the country’s regulations. He called on the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) to encourage its members to register their employees and pay contributions on their behalf. He reiterated their commitment to respect, accountability, transparency, and excellence.
The Director General urged media institutions to comply with the necessary regulations so that they would continue receiving payments from the organization. The Director General expressed gratitude for the media’s contributions and pledged continued support for a collaborative environment.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Mr. Kallon, stated that it was a pleasure and an honor to attend the all-important event, not only as a guest but also as the Chairman of the significant occasion. He extended his gratitude to NASSIT for organizing a platform that underscores the importance of collaboration and dialogue between NASSIT and the media.
Kallon acknowledged the important role the press plays in society in ensuring transparency, accountability, and a continuous flow of communication to the public. “As a stakeholder in this democratic society, we share a common mission to serve the people of Sierra Leone,” said Kallon. He stated that NASSIT is their essential partner in this endeavor to safeguard the social and economic well-being of the people, adding that the gathering is a testament to the strength of their partnership.
He further mentioned that it is their opportunity to enhance mutual understanding, deepen collaboration, and secure their shared commitment to fostering a well-informed society. He added that they create a more informed citizenry, a more transparent society, and a stronger Sierra Leone. Kallon encouraged all attendees to engage in productive conversations, share insights, and build on the trust that binds everyone. In conclusion, he thanked NASSIT for the initiative and for giving him the privilege to serve in that capacity. He also said he looks forward to a memorable evening of friendship and collaboration.
The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasrallah, emphasized the importance of media owners and employers complying with the law regarding paying NASSIT dues and registration. He stressed that they are not above the law and must set an example by following regulations.
Nasrallah expressed gratitude to NASSIT for collaborating with the media and highlighted the mutual respect, trust, and confidence between the two entities. He emphasized the role of journalists in providing accurate information to the public about NASSIT’s operations and benefits to promote informed decision-making.
He assured NASSIT of the media’s continued cooperation and support, pledging to hold them accountable responsibly and assist in promoting their programs. Nasrallah affirmed the media’s commitment to furthering NASSIT’s mandate and contributing to the country’s development.
For his part, the eloquent Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, affectionately known as Ceebah, commended NASSIT for its exemplary relationship with the media. He highlighted NASSIT as a model institution that understands the importance of engaging with the media as partners in development. Minister Ceebah emphasized the significance of proactive partnership and the proactive disclosure of information as essential tools for effective engagement with the media.
He praised NASSIT’s leadership, particularly DG Daboh, for their vision and commitment to media partnership. He acknowledged NASSIT’s efforts to provide quality information and foster positive and constructive media coverage of their work.
The Minister encouraged other government institutions to emulate NASSIT’s approach to media engagement and highlighted the benefits of a transparent and open relationship with the media. He expressed gratitude to the media for their partnership and highlighted the importance of press freedom, noting that no journalist is in jail due to their opinions following the repeal of the criminal libel law.
The Minister of Labour Employment and Social Security, Mohamed Rado Swaray, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with media institutions at the cocktail event. During the event, the Minister reminded attendees of the importance of complying with the NASSIT Act No. 5 of 2001, which mandates employers to register their institutions and employees with NASSIT and pay contributions on their behalf.
Minister Swarray emphasized the need for media institutions to ensure the social security protection of their employees by registering and paying their social security contributions. He warned that punitive actions would be taken against those who fail to comply with the law, as doing business with NASSIT now requires a valid Social Security clearance certificate, NRA tax code, and registration certificate.
The Minister called on the media to be on the side of the law and urged the Independent Media Commission and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists to ensure that workers in the media are protected. He highlighted the challenges that many media practitioners face upon retirement or in case of old age, invalidity, or death. He stressed the importance of providing dignified and respectable lives for employees through social security contributions.
As gatekeepers and stakeholders in the social security scheme, the Minister urged the media to change the narrative by respecting the law and ensuring the protection of their employees. He called on all media organizations and individuals to comply with social security laws and contribute to a better future for workers in the industry.
