NASSIT Reinforces Media Partnership
The National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) has reinforced its partnership with Sierra Leone’s media at a well- attended Cocktail Reception held at the Bintumani International Conference Center on Thursday 9th April, 2026.
In his keynote statement, the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swarray said NASSIT has come a long way since its inception during late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah’s regime. He maintained that the
Institution has gone through positive transformation under the leadership of the current Director General.
Encouraging the media publishers, Mr. Swarray seriously urged them to adhere to the NASSIT Act by paying their workers contributions regularly. He referenced the plight of retired journalists who are now in deplorable conditions after leaving the active practice.
Speaking at the event, the NASSIT Director General, Mr. Faoud Daboh said he wants to work with the media beyond publishing advertisements and writing stories, noting that his team at NASSIT has deviced methods on how to enhance the media’s strength. The DG lauded the media for its resilence in terms of working with NASSIT over the years.
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the traditional model where media engagement is largely limited to advertisements and event coverage, describing it as outdated and insufficient.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.
Commenting on the informal sector, Faoud Daboh noted that the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Mohamed Swarray and his management team are working assiduously to put modalities in place to kick off the informal NASSIT scheme very shortly, calling on the media to educate the business people on the informal NASSIT scheme.
He commended Minister Swarray for spearheading the new minimum wage of Le,200, though it will not settle all the economic obligations of households but government has shown sensitivity to the economic and financial pains some people are going through.
The NASSIT boss urged media owners to live up to their obligation by paying their employees NASSIT contributions. ‘’We rely on you to sensitise the public on the need to pay their workers’ NASSIT, so you have to lead by example,’’ he stated.
Reechoing Minister Swarray’s concerns president of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalist (SLAJ) called on media owners to uphold their obligations in paying their employees’ NASSIT contributions and Income Tax He applauded the good working relationship with NASSIT over the years.
The event was chaired by the Executive Secretary of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Mr. Kallon
