By Mackie M. Jalloh
The newly appointed Deputy Director General for Administration and Finance at the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Mohamed Orman Bangura, has commended outgoing Director General Mohamed Fuaad Daboh for what he described as a transformative tenure marked by institutional reforms, technological advancement and stronger social security administration.
Bangura made the commendation during a nationwide staff training exercise on NASSIT’s newly introduced Pension Administration System (PAS), where he urged employees to embrace the digital platform and ensure that the reforms introduced under Daboh’s leadership are sustained and further strengthened.
The training, held simultaneously at NASSIT’s headquarters in Freetown and its regional offices across the country, forms part of the Trust’s efforts to modernise pension administration and improve the efficiency, transparency and quality of services provided to contributors, employers, pensioners and beneficiaries.
The introduction of the Pension Administration System represents a major shift in the way NASSIT manages its operations. The platform is designed to bring several core functions under an integrated digital system, including member registration, contribution management, benefits processing, records management and reporting.
Addressing staff during the training, outgoing Director General Mohamed Fuaad Daboh described the system as one of the most important technological reforms undertaken during his administration.
Daboh explained that the digital platform is expected to reduce administrative delays, improve the accuracy and reliability of records, enhance transparency and enable the Trust to provide faster and more efficient services to its growing membership.
He stressed, however, that technology alone would not guarantee the success of the reform, urging employees to take ownership of the system and demonstrate professionalism and adaptability throughout its implementation.
“The Pension Administration System is more than a technological upgrade. It is the future of our service delivery and an important investment in the continued growth of NASSIT,” Daboh stated.
He encouraged staff to take the training seriously and acquire the practical knowledge required to operate the new system effectively.
Daboh also reminded employees that their work at NASSIT carries a personal dimension, given that staff members are themselves contributors to the national social security scheme.
He noted that the services they provide today will ultimately contribute to the sustainability of a system on which they, like other workers, could depend upon retirement.
“As I prepare to retire, I am proud that this modern system will continue to strengthen NASSIT and improve the quality of service we provide to Sierra Leoneans,” he said.
Following Daboh’s remarks, Bangura praised the outgoing Director General for providing what he described as visionary and prudent leadership during his time at the helm of the institution.
He said Daboh’s administration had overseen a period of significant institutional development, including improvements in operational efficiency, internal systems, employer and employee compliance, and the administration of pension benefits.
According to Bangura, the timely payment of pension benefits to retirees and other beneficiaries remains among the important responsibilities of NASSIT, adding that institutional reforms under Daboh helped strengthen confidence in the Trust.
He singled out the Pension Administration System as a landmark achievement, describing its introduction as a significant step towards a more modern, transparent and efficient pension management system.
Bangura said Daboh’s departure should not mark the end of the reforms initiated during his tenure, but rather provide an opportunity for the institution to consolidate and build upon the foundation already established.
“The outgoing Director General leaves behind a lasting legacy of reforms, innovation and institutional stability. The systems he introduced will continue to strengthen the Scheme and benefit future generations,” Bangura said.
The Deputy Director General further called on NASSIT employees to work collectively to ensure that the new digital platform delivers the intended benefits.
He emphasised that every employee has a responsibility to protect the integrity of the institution and contribute to improving services for contributors and pensioners.
Bangura also used the occasion to draw a connection between public service and personal social security, reminding staff that their contributions to NASSIT represent an investment in their own future.
“Serving NASSIT is not only about serving the nation; it is equally about securing our own future,” he stated.
He described Daboh’s retirement as a significant moment that demonstrates the practical purpose of the pension scheme, noting that the outgoing Director General is transitioning from leading NASSIT to becoming a beneficiary of the very social security system he helped strengthen.
As he assumes his new responsibilities, Bangura pledged to work with management, staff, contributors and other stakeholders to preserve the gains recorded under Daboh while pursuing further reforms.
He reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, accountability and professionalism, while stressing the importance of strengthening service delivery and safeguarding the long-term sustainability of Sierra Leone’s national social security system.
The transition comes at a crucial stage for NASSIT as the institution moves towards greater digitalisation, with the successful implementation of PAS expected to play a central role in shaping the future of pension administration and improving the experience of contributors and beneficiaries nationwide.
