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The Deputy Director General in charge of Operations at the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Edwin Mohamed Kamara, has called for strengthened collaboration between the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority and other relevant institutions to ensure full compliance with the Trust’s Social Security Clearance Certificate requirement.
Mr Kamara made the call on Tuesday, 19th May 2026, during a stakeholder engagement held at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Cline Town, Freetown.
Speaking on behalf of the Director General, he commended the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) for its compliance with contribution payments, noting that the institution had demonstrated strong adherence in that regard. “Our records show that you are compliant with contribution payments. You therefore deserve praise,” he stated.
However, he raised concern over unpaid contributions relating to foreign workers, contract staff, and casual employees. He also highlighted the absence of the NASSIT Social Security Clearance Certificate in documentation required for import and export processes through ports and related facilities.
Mr Kamara referenced Section 31 of the NASSIT Act of 20th July 2001, which mandates employers to obtain a valid Social Security Clearance Certificate for import, export, and clearance-related activities within Sierra Leone. He stressed that while some institutions are complying with the provision, its consistent enforcement across key agencies remains essential.
He further underscored the importance of the Trust’s reform initiative, Project 54+, with the slogan “Prepare To Appear,” introduced by the Director General, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, aimed at reducing delays in benefit payments.
The General Manager for Operations at NASSIT, Mohamed Sam, also emphasized the importance of accurate membership data in improving the efficiency of the Scheme. He urged employers and members to ensure consistency between personal records and official documents. “Your data, such as names and dates of birth for you and your dependants on all documents and certificates, should match those in the NASSIT system,” he noted.
Responding on behalf of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, Company Secretary Martin Maada George Esq assured NASSIT of the Authority’s continued compliance with statutory obligations, including the consistent application of the 15 percent NASSIT contribution deduction for employees.
He further requested intensified public education campaigns on the Social Security Clearance Certificate requirement to enhance awareness among stakeholders, including the Customs Local Union and the Importers and Exporters Association. He also confirmed that the list of staff approaching retirement would be submitted to NASSIT for necessary processing.
The engagement concluded with a question-and-answer session, with both institutions reaffirming the importance of sustained collaboration in strengthening social security compliance and improving service delivery across institutions.
