By Mackie M. Jalloh
The National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) have, over the past few years, emerged as one of Sierra Leone’s most impactful public institutions — a symbol of reform, innovation, and national development. Under the visionary leadership of its Director General, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, the institution has not only strengthened its core mandate of social protection but has also expanded its reach through bold infrastructural projects, modern service delivery systems, and strategic investments aimed at securing the future of Sierra Leoneans.
Established by the National Social Security and Insurance Trust Act No. 5 of 2001, NASSIT’s mission is to provide retirement, invalidity, and survivors’ benefits to employees and their dependents. However, the institution has evolved beyond its traditional social insurance role, becoming a central pillar in Sierra Leone’s development agenda. Today, NASSIT stands as a credible, transparent, and growth-oriented institution — one that blends social responsibility with economic innovation.
At the heart of this transformation is DG Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, whose leadership has been defined by discipline, accountability, and modernization. Since assuming office, he has championed reforms that have re-energized NASSIT’s operations, restored public confidence, and repositioned the Trust as a partner in national development.
One of the flagship achievements under Daboh’s administration is the Sewa Grounds Market Development Project — a state-of-the-art commercial complex that is redefining urban trading and infrastructure in the heart of Freetown. The new Sewa Grounds Market represents NASSIT’s forward-thinking approach to investment, combining social impact with economic viability. The project provides hundreds of market women and small-scale traders with modern facilities, improved sanitation, storage spaces, and a safer trading environment.
Beyond its economic benefits, the Sewa Grounds Market symbolizes empowerment — particularly for women, who form the backbone of Sierra Leone’s informal economy. It demonstrates how NASSIT’s investments are not just about financial returns but about creating spaces that promote dignity, productivity, and community growth.
NASSIT’s achievements extend far beyond the Sewa Grounds initiative. Under Daboh’s leadership, the institution has rolled out several transformative projects across the country. These include the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing estates in key cities such as Bo, Makeni, and Kenema, designed to provide decent living spaces for middle-income Sierra Leoneans. The Trust has also made significant investments in the hospitality and financial sectors, reinforcing its commitment to driving sustainable economic growth.
In the realm of service delivery, NASSIT has embraced digital transformation to enhance accessibility and efficiency. The introduction of the E-Contribution Portal and Biometric Verification Systems has simplified member registration, contributions, and claims processing. These innovations have minimized bureaucratic bottlenecks, reduced fraud, and made the system more transparent and user-friendly for both employers and contributors.
DG Daboh’s leadership has also prioritized corporate governance and compliance, ensuring that all operations align with international best practices. Regular audits, staff training programs, and stakeholder engagements have strengthened institutional integrity, while ongoing public education campaigns continue to build trust among contributors and pensioners.
One of the most commendable aspects of NASSIT’s transformation is its renewed focus on customer service. The institution has expanded its regional offices, introduced mobile service centers, and improved response time for pension claims. Beneficiaries now experience faster processing of benefits, greater clarity on entitlements, and enhanced communication with the Trust’s management.
In recent years, NASSIT has also deepened its collaboration with international partners and social security networks across Africa and beyond. These partnerships have opened doors for knowledge exchange, policy innovation, and capacity building — positioning Sierra Leone as a country that is serious about social protection reform.
DG Daboh’s vision goes beyond administration; it is about creating a legacy of empowerment and security for every Sierra Leonean worker. He has repeatedly emphasized that NASSIT’s ultimate goal is to ensure that “no Sierra Leonean who has contributed to the workforce retires into poverty.” His leadership philosophy blends compassion with competence — a combination that has inspired confidence within the institution and among its millions of contributors.
As NASSIT continues to expand its footprint, its transformation stands as a model for other state institutions. The Trust’s ongoing projects — from the Sewa Grounds Market to new real estate developments and digital reforms — reflect a broader mission: to make social security not just a retirement benefit, but a catalyst for national progress.
Today, under DG Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, NASSIT is not only protecting the future of Sierra Leone’s workforce but also investing in the nation’s economic and infrastructural growth. With a clear vision, strong governance, and a people-centered approach, NASSIT is redefining what public service and institutional leadership mean in the 21st century.
