NASSIT Rallies Media Support for Informal Sector Scheme
The National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) convened a press seminar on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen. Held under the theme “Moving into the Informal Sector and the Role of the Press,” the event brought together media professionals, government representatives, and development partners to spotlight the media’s pivotal role in broadening social protection coverage for informal sector workers.
In his welcome address, NASSIT General Manager Friday Koroma emphasized the media’s influence in fostering public understanding of social security as a basic human right. He lauded the contributions of key stakeholders—including Dr. Tonya Musa, Mr. Cyril Jalloh, and the Informal Sector Technical Committee—and called for sustained collaboration to reach the country’s vast informal workforce.
Representing the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Mr. Khalil Kallon commended NASSIT’s proactive media engagement, noting that such initiatives have not only raised public awareness but also helped integrate media practitioners into the national social security framework. He encouraged journalists to intensify educational campaigns, particularly for vulnerable and underserved communities.
In his keynote address, NASSIT Director General Mohamed Fuad Daboh outlined the institution’s strategic advancements, citing improved digital services, increased employer compliance, and expanded public outreach. While acknowledging persistent challenges—especially among employers of foreign workers—he urged the media to hold defaulting companies accountable.
Mr. Daboh also revealed the development of a comprehensive blueprint for a flexible, affordable social insurance scheme tailored to the informal sector. Designed by the Informal Sector Technical Committee with backing from government ministries and development partners, the blueprint has been submitted to the Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security for policy action.
Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla reaffirmed the media’s commitment to championing social protection, describing the press as both a messenger and a catalyst for societal transformation.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Trade and Industry Alpha Sesay underscored the significance of formalizing the informal economy—including traders, commercial riders, and small-scale entrepreneurs—through enhanced business registration, access to finance, and legal identity reforms.
The seminar ended with a strong collective commitment from NASSIT and its partners to extend social security coverage to all, with the media recognized as a key ally in ensuring that no Sierra Leonean is left behind.