By Saidu Dumbuya
On Friday, April 25, 2025, the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) hosted a press seminar at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen,West of Freetown.
The event, held under the theme “Moving into the Informal Sector and the Role of the Press,” brought together key stakeholders from the media, government, and development partners to discuss the critical role of the press in extending social protection to workers in the informal sector.
In his welcoming remarks, NASSIT General Manager, Osman F. Koroma welcomed participants and emphasized the purpose of the seminar as an opportunity to interface with the media and outline NASSIT’s achievements, challenges, and future plans for expanding coverage. He praised the commitment of the media and acknowledged the support of key figures such as Dr. Tonya Musa, Mr. Cyril Jalloh, and members of the Informal Sector Technical Committee. He stressed that social security is a human right and urged the media to continue fostering public understanding of its importance.
Mr. Khalil Kallon, a representative of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), commended NASSIT’s leadership under the current Director General for consistently engaging with the media. He shared insights on how NASSIT’s collaboration with journalists has enhanced public awareness and resulted in the inclusion of media workers in the national scheme. He encouraged fellow media practitioners to take ownership of sensitizing the public, especially vulnerable groups, about the benefits of social security.
Director General of NaSSIT, Mohamed Fuad Daboh who delivered the keynote address, outlining NASSIT’s strategic direction. He applauded the press for its unwavering support in promoting transparency and raising awareness. Mr. Daboh highlighted key achievements, including improved digital service delivery, increased employer compliance, and expanded public education. However, he also acknowledged persistent challenges, especially compliance issues among employers with large foreign worker populations. He called on the media to play an active role in holding defaulting employers accountable.
The Director General revealed that a comprehensive blueprint for a tailored informal sector scheme has been developed. This new initiative crafted by the Informal Sector Technical Committee and supported by key ministries and development partners, aims to create a flexible, affordable, and accessible social insurance system for informal workers. The blueprint was recently submitted to the Minister of Employment, Labor, and Social Security for further action.
The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, reaffirmed the media’s commitment to promoting social protection through accurate reporting and public education. He noted that the media is not just a messenger but a powerful agent of change, capable of influencing policy and behavior. Mr. Nasralla emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that the informal sector is fully included in the national social protection system.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Sesay, underscored the significance of formalizing the informal sector, which includes traders, commercial motorbike and tricycle riders, and small-scale entrepreneurs. He emphasized that while these groups form the backbone of the economy, they remain largely unregulated and vulnerable. He outlined ongoing efforts by the ministry to develop strategies for formalization, improve business registration processes, and increase access to finance and legal identity.
The seminar concluded with a shared commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively toward expanding social security coverage to the informal sector. NASSIT and its partners expressed optimism that with the continued support of the press, the journey toward an inclusive and sustainable social protection system will accelerate, ensuring that no Sierra Leonean is left behind.
