Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has directed that all pensioners in Sierra Leone will receive a minimum of 250 new leones per month, up from the previous 30 new leones.

This announcement was made by Fouad Daboh, the head of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), during a weekly press conference organized by the Ministry of Information and Civil Education.

This groundbreaking move is poised to have a profound impact on the livelihoods of pensioners across the nation, ensuring that they will now have access to a more substantial and dignified level of financial support during their retirement years. It reflects a commitment to prioritize the well-being of the elderly population and provides a renewed sense of security and comfort for those who have contributed to the nation over the years.

“When I took over NASSIT Sierra Leone, pensioners were struggling with meager monthly payouts, receiving only 30 new leones, and as a result, many never bothered to claim their pensions because it had become nearly worthless,” Daboh disclosed to the media and the public. “Under this new directive, no pensioner in Sierra Leone will receive less than a minimum of 250 new leones as their monthly pension, effectively increasing payouts by a considerable margin.”

This development is a significant stride towards improving the financial well-being of retired individuals in Sierra Leone, where many have been struggling to make ends meet on meager pensions. The move is also a testament to President Bio’s commitment to ensuring that all Sierra Leoneans, including the elderly, have a decent standard of living.

The new pension benefits will come into effect immediately, and NASSIT is currently working to implement the necessary changes to its systems and procedures. Pensioners who are currently receiving less than 250 new leones per month will automatically receive a top-up, and those who have not yet claimed their pensions will be encouraged to do so.