30% Windfall for Pensioners
The National Social Insurance Trust (NASSIT) has increased pensions to 30% effective this month October over the weekend as was approved by President Ernest Bai Koroma.
In a letter dated 1st October 2012 addressed to the Director General of National Social Insurance Trust (NASSIT) with copies sent to the Financial Secretary and Director of Budget Bureau signed by the Accountant General Mr. Kebbe A. Koroma, it reads among other things; ‘we are under instructions to inform you that the implementation of this increase which should be included in your quarterly request for pensions be dealt with as follows increase all government pensions by 30% to reflect the new rate from fourth quarter 2012 onwards, increase the arrests of pension due to this increase for period October 2011 to September 2012 in your second quarter 13 request for pension in payment’.
NASSIT Director General, Samuel Bangura Jr. lauded the venture would go a long way to alleviate the economic hardship that is being faced by all government pensioners across the country.
Samuel Bangura Jr. stated that the decision of President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma in making the 30% increase in government pension has been lauded by many government workers as clearly demonstrating the love the President has for his people adding, “before now pensioners have been receiving 20% increase in pension which was nothing good to write home about but with the 50% increase there is every hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel for government workers in the country after retirement.
He further noted that President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma’s determination in restoring dignity and respectability is now manifesting itself not only with the approval of the 30% increase in pensions for government workers but he has also made 50% increment of salary for lecturers, and a 200% salary increment for Teachers and Bursars in the country.
“Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma in his assumption of office in 2007 promised to restore sanity in the civil service and also to ensure that government pensioners are treated with dignity and as they are people that have served their country to the best of their ability. The approved 30% increase in government pensions is no doubt in line with the fulfillment of the promise made to the people of Sierra Leone. NASST looks forward to work with the government in improving the lives of both government pensioners and NASSIT contributors as they continue to improve the effectiveness of NASSIT pension skills,” Samuel Bangura Jr. concluded.
Sources at the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General’s office in Freetown intimated this press on Friday that they have now received Presidential approval and directive from the President for the commencement of payment of the 30% increase in pension.
By A. R. Bedor
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