By Mohamed M. Sesay
As one of the Government Offices that complies with the NASSIT Scheme, the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) has awarded the Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Regulation Agency (PRA) Baluwa Koroma for his promptness in paying NASSIT contribution to his staff. The successful awardees are the Fourah Bah College (FBC), the University of Sierra Leone, the Mary Weather School, Miller Group SL Limited, and Sierra Leone Micro Finance Trust. The award ceremony took place at the Freetown International Conference Center Bintumani.
In his statement during the award ceremony, the Director General of NASSIT, Fouad Daboh, expressed his appreciation to all the dignitaries for attending the event. He also commended all employers committed to upholding the Social Security Scheme for staff. He called on other employers to uphold their obligations to pay the NASSIT contribution for their staff.
The Director General also intimated that the issue of the Employer Award was to recognize the excellent work of employers who had demonstrated commitment towards their NASSIT obligations. He said the award would also inspire all employers to be committed to upholding the principles of social security and the social security commitment for employees.
Fuaad Daboh reminded us that NASSIT now has a Social Security Court, which sits on Saturday to address cases of non-compliance of employers upholding the social security schemes. He called on the gathering to reflect on NASSIT's gains in promoting social security for all citizens. He also called on all and sundry to continue working with NASSIT, adding that the usual corporation of Employers would make the work of NASSIT easier.
"NASSIT, we care for all citizens, and it is important that we care for employers and employees, " he concluded.
On his part, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Sesay (TEX), thanked the leadership of NASSIT for the opportunity to be part of the award ceremony. He referenced that the NASSIT Act of 2005 made it mandatory for all employers to pay NASSIT dues for all their employees. He said President Bio firmly believes in Social Security for all citizens in Sierra Leone. He acknowledged that NASSIT had gone through enormous challenges but expressed optimism that those challenges are not surmountable. He appealed to NASSIT to provide other markets across the city besides the Sewa Ground Market. He emphasized the laudable venture for NASSIT to formalize the informal sector across the country, adding that the informal sector is the pivotal player for NASSIT. He concluded by also thanking NASSIT for staging such a momentous occasion.
The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rado Swarray, said that over 20 years ago, the SLPP government under Late President Kabba introduced the NASSIT scheme. He added that it was sad to note, especially under the last government, when accessing pensions became a misery. He said that under the leadership of President Bio, pensions for NASSIT contributors had been timely. He assured everyone that they would continue to produce more positive results regarding the NASSIT scheme, especially under the leadership of President Bio. He congratulated all the awardees and encouraged them to continue to comply with the NASSIT scheme. He thanked and appreciated NASSIT for a successful and inspirational Award Ceremony.
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