By Mackie M. Jalloh
Over the last few years, Sierra Leone’s National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) has steadily transformed itself into one of the most reliable and impactful public institutions in the country. What was once viewed with skepticism by ordinary Sierra Leoneans has today become a system that millions depend on for security, protection, and dignity in retirement.
For decades, social security in Sierra Leone was an underdeveloped concept. Many workers doubted whether their contributions would ever bring them tangible benefits, and stories of distrust often overshadowed NASSIT’s mission. That perception, however, has been shifting dramatically. The institution’s performance, particularly over the last six years, has won increasing public trust and recognition. Today, NASSIT is celebrated as one of the most functional social protection systems in Sierra Leone—an achievement made possible by a combination of reform, leadership, and relentless commitment to service delivery.
Twenty years ago, NASSIT was seen as a bold but uncertain experiment. Workers contributed, but questions lingered: Would they ever see their pensions? Could NASSIT manage funds responsibly in a climate where mismanagement was common?
Fast-forward to today, and the picture has changed. Citizens who once doubted are now seeing real results—monthly pensions being paid, retirement benefits delivered, and survivors’ funds reaching families. NASSIT has shifted from being an institution people feared to one they now trust to safeguard their future.
At the heart of this transformation is the leadership of Director General Mohamed Fuad Daboh. Colleagues describe his style as dynamic, pragmatic, and people-centered. Under his stewardship, NASSIT has become more than an institution that processes pensions; it is now a national pillar for social security.
Fuad Daboh has emphasized efficiency, accountability, and inclusivity. His tenure has seen renewed focus on strengthening NASSIT’s systems, expanding public awareness, and modernizing service delivery. For many Sierra Leoneans, his leadership has given NASSIT a human face, bridging the gap between policy and the everyday needs of workers.
Unlike many institutions in Africa where pensioners often struggle to access their benefits, NASSIT today is viewed as a system that delivers. It has been described as the only fully functional social security scheme in Sierra Leone, offering a model of how public institutions can work when properly managed.
One of the ways this success is measured is in the testimonies of ordinary Sierra Leoneans. Retirees now share stories of receiving their pensions on time. Survivors of deceased workers acknowledge the support NASSIT provides during difficult times. For many families, these benefits have become lifelines—ensuring stability when breadwinners can no longer provide.
Another key achievement has been NASSIT’s efforts to expand coverage. More Sierra Leoneans are now registered under the scheme than ever before, including workers from both the formal and informal sectors. This expansion has not only increased the number of beneficiaries but also deepened trust in the system.
By gradually winning over skeptics, NASSIT has become more than just a pension scheme; it is a national social protection program that fosters a bond between the state and its citizens. This growing trust has also encouraged compliance, as more employers and workers now see NASSIT not as a burden but as a guarantee of future security.
NASSIT’s core mission is to provide social protection guarantees that ensure every citizen of Sierra Leone has access to at least a nationally defined minimum level of income security. In practice, this means that workers are assured of retirement income, survivors receive support when a contributor passes away, and people in vulnerable situations are not left behind.
Through its floor of social security provisions, NASSIT has helped stabilize households, reduce poverty among the elderly, and offer reassurance to working families. These benefits, though sometimes unseen by the wider public, have created ripple effects across society, enhancing national cohesion and social stability.
Observers note that NASSIT’s performance is now being recognized both locally and regionally. Its reforms and innovations are seen as a model for other social security institutions across Africa. In particular, its emphasis on efficiency and transparency has distinguished it in a sector often criticized for bureaucracy and delays.
Still, challenges remain. Expanding coverage to Sierra Leone’s vast informal sector continues to be a major task. Ensuring financial sustainability in the face of growing demands will also test NASSIT’s resilience. But the progress so far gives reason for optimism.
From an institution once doubted to one now praised as “exceptional,” NASSIT’s journey reflects the power of reform and leadership. More importantly, it demonstrates how public institutions can rebuild trust with the people when they deliver on their promises. For Sierra Leoneans contributing today, there is increasing confidence that their money is safe, their future is protected, and that NASSIT will be there when they need it most. The story of NASSIT is no longer one of skepticism—it is now a story of trust, protection, and a social contract that is finally working.
