By Yusufu Sesay
The Informal Sector Steering Committee meeting chaired by the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, and Co-chaired by the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) Director General, Mohamed Fuad Daboh, has endorsed the validation of the proposed ‘Salone Informal Sector Pension Scheme Policy.’

The endorsement was made in a meeting held yesterday Tuesday 13th May, 2025 at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown.

The Salone Informal Sector Pension Scheme policy is an extension of social protection to people in the informal sector economy including Okada (motorcycle) and Keke (tricycle) riders, mechanics, masons, petty traders, fishermen and other self-employed workers.
The Minister of Labour, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, highlighted the work of the Steering Committee in ensuring a decent work, social protection and economic inclusion for majority of Sierra Leoneans who earn their living in the informal sector.

Referencing the last meeting that was held in September 2024, the Minister said the inception valuation report for the informal sector social protection scheme that was presented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) marks an important turning point for them as a committee.

“For the first time we are having a credible data driven insight into the structure, viability and sustainability of extending social security coverage to informal sector workers which is something that had been long overdue.

“It also gives us the manpower needed to turn their discussions into actions in order to ensure the urgency of establishing a comprehensive framework and aligned national strategies with international law and protection standards,” the Minister averred.

He added: “I am particularly proud of the work we have done together amongst institutions and interest groups. This work is now known as a draft national informal sector policy.”

According to Minister Swaray, the policy is more than just a document but a clear demonstration of the government’s unwavering commitment under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

He said President Bio’s leadership aims at transforming lives of citizens in the informal sector which has been too long in the margin of informal economic planning and support.

The Minister reiterated that President Bio’s agenda has deliberated a sustainable effort to promote inclusive growth, human capital development, job creation and labour rights, which are backed by actions, which is typical of “Tok n Do.”

He said the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) reaching every corner of the country facilitates in empowering the new generation of workers including children from the informal sector households.

Mr. Swaray said the National Social Protection Policy will also expand coverage to informal workers who were previously excluded from pension and social security benefits. This is to transition the informal sector to a more productive and sustainable space.

“Today’s meeting is not only crucial but critical as it is our collective responsibility to ensure that these policies are implementable. Our role is not just to endorse a document but championing its implementation, monitor its outcome and advocate for the rights of informal sector workers,” the Minister concluded.

The NASSIT Director General, Mohamed Fuuad Daboh, emphasized that the informal workers are not just mere workers but they are the backbone of any country’s economy because it involves traders and extensive businesspeople.

According to the DG, these workers support the livelihood of homes across all districts and they contribute invisibly to national productivity.

“The Informal Sector remains largely untaxed and needed a structured economy intervention. His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio prioritized the formalization of the informal sector for national development alongside national development plan. It is not just about the taxes but the recognition, inclusion, production and empowerment in order to build a stronger economy where no one is left behind,” Mr. Daboh emphasized.

He furthered that the actions they took in the meeting would shape the lives of millions of Sierra Leoneans who work outside the boundaries of formal employment without access to basic social protection.
The DG noted that the success of this social insurance scheme for the informal sector will reflect how seriously they take inclusive development.

He pointed out that the policy document initiative put together by the Technical Committee is not the work of one agency but representatives of MDAs with national character and experience.

Chairman of the Technical Committee, Edwin Mohamed Kamara, who is also NASSIT Deputy Director General Operations, thanked members of the Technical Committee for their exceptional commitments that have supported the informal sector policy.

According to him, the collaborative efforts from institutions contributed to lay a firm foundation for meaningful cross sectoral engagement and progress.

He further commended the Technical Team for an outstanding work in developing the blueprint for the informal sector that makes it incredible because it is done entirely inhouse.

Mr. Kamara said the testament and dedication within the team reflect not only technical competence but also a shared commitment to relevant solutions.