By Mackie M. Jalloh
In Sierra Leone’s social security sector, Mohamed Fouad Daboh, Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), is setting new benchmarks for efficiency, inclusivity, and innovation. Since taking leadership, Daboh has transformed NASSIT from a bureaucratic institution into a dynamic organization that safeguards the future of Sierra Leonean workers and retirees.
Historically, NASSIT faced criticism over slow service delivery, inefficiencies, and public mistrust. Under Daboh, the narrative is shifting dramatically. His leadership has introduced comprehensive reforms aimed at improving operations, streamlining services, and reinforcing NASSIT as a key pillar of the country’s social protection system.
A cornerstone of Daboh’s strategy is digital transformation. Advanced IT systems now enable contributors to submit benefits claims and inquiries online, significantly reducing delays. Employers can also make contributions digitally, replacing the cumbersome paperwork that previously slowed compliance. These measures have enhanced transparency, efficiency, and convenience, earning NASSIT commendation from public and private sector stakeholders alike.
“Efficiency is not just a goal; it is a responsibility,” Daboh emphasized in a recent stakeholder session. “Every Sierra Leonean worker deserves timely access to their entitlements.”
Daboh has also strengthened NASSIT’s financial sustainability. Through compliance enforcement, expanding the contribution base, and diversifying investments in real estate, hospitality, and other sectors, the Trust has secured long-term revenue streams capable of meeting obligations even in challenging economic times. Analysts note that these steps position NASSIT as one of the most stable social security institutions in the region.
Inclusivity is another defining pillar of Daboh’s tenure. For the first time, informal sector workers—including traders, bike riders, and small-scale entrepreneurs—are being integrated into the social security system. This approach aligns with global best practices and reflects a broader commitment to social justice, ensuring that all workers have access to future security.
Customer service has also undergone a transformation. Service centers have been rebranded and staffed with trained personnel, offering faster processing, greater professionalism, and a more engaging experience for contributors. Many beneficiaries have praised the improvements, calling it “a new era for social security in Sierra Leone.”
Transparency remains central to Daboh’s approach. Regular briefings, stakeholder consultations, and public financial disclosures have reinforced public confidence in the institution, reassuring contributors that their funds are secure.
Beyond structural reforms, Daboh emphasizes personal engagement. He regularly visits workplaces, markets, and provincial towns to explain NASSIT benefits and hear directly from contributors. These efforts have humanized the Trust, fostering trust and reinforcing its role as a partner in citizens’ lives.
Looking ahead, Daboh plans to introduce new benefit packages tailored to modern socio-economic realities, including health-related coverage and support for vulnerable groups. His vision is for a NASSIT that is innovative, resilient, and fully aligned with international social protection standards.
“Our goal is simple,” Daboh remarked. “To create a system where every Sierra Leonean worker feels secure about their future.”
Under Daboh’s leadership, NASSIT is no longer just a custodian of pension funds—it has become a driver of socio-economic stability and a model of transformational leadership. By combining vision, accountability, and technology, Daboh has demonstrated that even complex public institutions can deliver meaningful value to citizens.
As Sierra Leone pursues inclusive growth and sustainable development, the evolving role of NASSIT under Daboh’s guidance remains indispensable, providing security, confidence, and hope for the nation’s workforce.
