Chernor Mahmoud Jalloh has formally assumed office as the new Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), taking over from Mohamed Fouad Daboh during an official handover ceremony.
Addressing the Board of Trustees, management and staff at the ceremony, Jalloh described his appointment as both a great honour and a significant responsibility, given NASSIT’s mandate to safeguard the contributions and future social security of workers and pensioners across Sierra Leone.
“I stand before you today with a deep sense of humility and responsibility as I formally take over as Director General of NASSIT,” Jalloh said.
He expressed gratitude to Allah for making the occasion possible and thanked President Julius Maada Bio for the confidence placed in him, as well as Parliament for confirming his appointment.
Jalloh also commended his predecessor, Mohamed Fouad Daboh, for his service to NASSIT and for facilitating what he described as an orderly handover. He wished Daboh success in the next chapter of his career.
The new Director General stressed that NASSIT carries a critical responsibility because every contribution represents the hard work of an individual, while every pension represents dignity after years of service.
He therefore pledged to promote integrity, professionalism, accountability and prudence in the management of the institution.
Jalloh said his immediate priority would be to listen, learn and understand the current state of NASSIT before determining the institution’s future direction.
He said he intends to work closely with the Board of Trustees, the responsible ministry, management and staff to establish the institution’s current position financially, operationally, technologically and institutionally, and identify areas requiring improvement.
“I want to assure the staff that I intend to lead with you, not simply lead over you,” he stated, recognising the experience and capabilities within the institution and calling for the commitment, ideas and professionalism of staff.
He further emphasised that NASSIT’s ultimate responsibility is to its contributors and pensioners, who expect their contributions to be managed responsibly and their benefits paid accurately and on time.
According to Jalloh, building public trust in NASSIT will be central to his leadership.
“My ambition is simple: to help build a NASSIT that is financially strong, professionally managed, efficient, transparent and trusted by the people it exists to serve,” he said.
While acknowledging that his administration would face challenges, Jalloh expressed confidence that progress could be achieved through collective effort and cooperation among the Board, management and staff.
He concluded by thanking the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees, management and staff, saying he looked forward to working with them in the journey ahead.
