In continuation of his engagements with key stakeholders of the NASSIT Scheme, the Director General, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, on Thursday 13th November 2025, held fruitful discussions with the leadership of the Forces at his Walpole Street office in Freetown.
The Director General described the forces as one of the largest constituents of the NASSIT scheme, adding, “We have enjoyed tremendous support and co-operation from the forces over the years. This relationship remains cordial, although there are a few challenges. We are therefore here to look at those challenges and proffer a way forward.”
Mr Daboh informed the meeting about the developmental strides taking place within the Trust, such as the digitalisation of the NASSIT System, bringing the Scheme closer to its members and the speedy and timely processing of benefits as and when contingencies occur, among others.
He also spoke about the giant strides to extend coverage to informal sector workers, and lauded the determination of the President, His Excellency, Retired Brigadier General Julius Maada Bio, who has manifested unfettered political will, to ensure that social protection is extended to all workers in Sierra Leone.
The NASSIT strongman highlighted the moves his administration had taken to ensure that the President’s dream came to fruition, adding, “The draft Bill of this national game-changer Scheme has been developed and submitted to the Law Officers’ department for consideration”.
Mr Daboh assured the team that this bill would be laid before Parliament by mid-December this year and the informal sector pension Scheme would become operational in the first half of 2026, and called on the various stakeholders for their unwavering support to the enactment of this law and subsequently the operationalisation of the Scheme.
He also solicited continued support, cooperation, and protection from the forces, to stop what he described as the blatant encroachment and occupation of NASSIT lands by unscrupulous individuals.
Mr Daboh emphasised that there was a dire need for the forces, NASSIT, and the Government to hold a meeting and find a way of solving some of the problems that were specifically related to the forces in terms of pension administration.
Commenting on the validation of the past services of members of the Forces who were on the Accountant General’s payroll as at 1st January 2002, and the age limit of 55 for the military, the Deputy Director General in charge of Operations, Edwin Mohamed Kamara, said they are challenged in addressing the shift from 55 to 60 years as retirement age for the military.
“It is, therefore, imperative that NASSIT, Government and the Forces discuss the issues with the respective Officials, and if possible, the President, Dr Julius Maada Bio, for the way forward.
The leadership of the Forces, which was headed by Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, expressed gratitude to the Director General and team for the tremendous strides in improving pension administration and bringing the scheme service closer to its members.
They commended the Trust for the positive strides particularly in the timely processing and payment of benefits, the mobile NASSIT customer service clinic and the engagement of key stakeholders to enhance a positive relationship. This, according to the team, is evident in the feedback they receive from their respective retirees.
They further expressed their support for the review of the NASSIT Act, especially clauses hinging on the retirement age for the military and the qualifying conditions for Invalidity benefits and assured NASSIT of their fullest support.
The meeting ended with a consensus that a meeting be held between NASSIT, the Government, and the Forces to address some challenges the Forces are facing with the NASSIT Pension Scheme.
NASSIT, we care
