Parliament approved Chernor M. Jalloh as DG of NASSIT

By Abdul Rahman Bah

Freetown, Tuesday, 4 August 2026 – Sierra Leone’s Parliament has unanimously approved the presidential nomination of Chernor Mamoud Jalloh as the new Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), entrusting him with the leadership of the country’s premier pension institution at a time when expectations are high for reforms, improved service delivery and stronger governance.

The approval followed parliamentary deliberations at the Well of Parliament on Tower Hill, where Members of Parliament considered and endorsed President Julius Maada Bio’s nomination, paving the way for Jalloh to officially assume office.

His appointment comes at a crucial moment for NASSIT, an institution responsible for administering Sierra Leone’s national social security and pension scheme, managing billions of leones in workers’ retirement contributions and providing social protection benefits to thousands of pensioners and contributors across the country.

Speaking to journalists shortly after Parliament endorsed his nomination, Jalloh expressed profound appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for the confidence placed in him and thanked Members of Parliament for their overwhelming support.

“I am deeply honoured by the confidence reposed in me by His Excellency the President and grateful to Parliament for approving my nomination,” he said. “This appointment is not only a great privilege but also a tremendous responsibility to serve Sierra Leone and safeguard the retirement savings of hardworking citizens.”

Jalloh pledged to devote his tenure to strengthening public trust in NASSIT by promoting transparency, accountability and professionalism in the management of pension funds.

He stressed that NASSIT’s core responsibility is to protect the retirement security of Sierra Leonean workers and assured contributors that their interests would remain at the centre of every policy and operational decision taken under his leadership.

“Our contributors have entrusted NASSIT with their future. That trust must be protected through prudent financial management, efficient service delivery and uncompromising integrity,” he stated.

According to the newly approved Director General, one of his immediate priorities will be to improve operational efficiency while modernising the institution’s systems to provide faster, more reliable and customer-centred services.

He said his administration intends to strengthen institutional governance, improve internal accountability mechanisms and deepen stakeholder engagement to ensure that contributors, employers and pensioners have greater confidence in the institution.

Jalloh also highlighted the wealth of professional experience he brings to the position, describing his legal, academic and governance background as a solid foundation for leading one of Sierra Leone’s most strategic public institutions.

With more than 17 years of legal practice, he has served as Senior Partner at C & J Barristers and Solicitors in Makeni, where he specialised in constitutional law, commercial law, labour relations, corporate governance and institutional management.

He noted that these areas of expertise have equipped him with the skills required to manage complex public institutions while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

Beyond legal practice, Jalloh has also built a distinguished academic career as a lecturer in the Department of Law at the University of Makeni.

He said his years in academia have reinforced his commitment to ethical leadership, evidence-based decision-making and continuous professional development—principles he intends to apply in transforming NASSIT into a more efficient, innovative and responsive institution.

Reflecting on the challenges facing the Trust, Jalloh acknowledged that expectations from contributors and the wider public have increased considerably in recent years.

He observed that NASSIT must continue expanding pension coverage, particularly among workers in Sierra Leone’s large informal sector, while embracing digital technologies to improve efficiency, accessibility and customer experience.

He further identified digital transformation, stronger investment governance, enhanced customer care and prudent management of pension assets as key priorities that will shape his administration.

According to him, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the pension scheme will require careful investment decisions, sound financial management and continuous institutional reforms capable of protecting contributors’ funds for future generations.

Jalloh also underscored the importance of collaboration, noting that the success of NASSIT cannot depend solely on its leadership but requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders.

He pledged to work closely with the Board of Trustees, management, staff, employers, workers’ organisations, labour unions, pensioners and development partners to strengthen the institution and improve service delivery nationwide.

“I believe in teamwork, consultation and inclusive leadership. Together, we can build a stronger institution that serves the interests of every contributor and pensioner with fairness, professionalism and efficiency,” he remarked.

The new Director General concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability throughout his tenure.

He said his ultimate objective is to leave behind a stronger, more resilient and financially sustainable NASSIT capable of meeting the evolving needs of Sierra Leone’s workforce while preserving the dignity and welfare of pensioners.

“My goal is to build an institution that every Sierra Leonean can trust—one that protects workers’ retirement savings, delivers quality services and contributes meaningfully to national development,” he said.

Jalloh’s parliamentary approval follows recent changes in the leadership of NASSIT and marks the beginning of a new chapter for the institution. Many stakeholders within the labour movement, business community and public service will be watching closely as he assumes office and begins implementing his vision for reform.

With increasing demands for stronger governance, improved pension administration and wider social security coverage, expectations are high that the new Director General will steer NASSIT towards greater transparency, operational efficiency and long-term financial sustainability while reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s social protection system.