Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting workers’ dignity and advancing economic empowerment during the Labour Day celebration held at the Miata Conference Hall.
In his address, President Bio honored the contributions of Sierra Leone’s diverse workforce, including teachers, healthcare professionals, farmers, miners, artisans, and informal sector workers, whom he referred to as “the true architects of our nation’s progress.”
“Today, I wear two hats: President and Worker,” he declared, pledging to advocate for a future in which all workers are treated with dignity and respect.
Emphasizing the government’s view that labor represents more than just survival, the President stated it is essential for national prosperity and transformation. He highlighted the importance of investing in education, healthcare, and agriculture to cultivate a skilled and productive workforce.
Since taking office in 2018, the President highlighted several significant initiatives, which have been initiated, including the establishment of a Wages and Compensation Commission designed to tackle wage disparities, reforms in education and healthcare for a capable workforce, and legislative reviews to align local labor laws with international standards, assuring that efforts are ongoing to extend social security coverage to workers in the informal sector.
In a notable announcement, President Bio instructed the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security to commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage. He labeled this move as a “fundamental step toward ensuring every worker can live with dignity.”
Acknowledging the crucial role of the informal economy, the President outlined plans to formalize and support workers in the sector, including petty traders, transport operators, and small-scale artisans. He announced intentions to expand access to the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) for those workers.
The President also called for constructive dialogue to mitigate industrial conflicts and pledged to strengthen cooperation with the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Employers’ Federation to promote workplace harmony and sustained growth.
In closing, he encouraged workers to embrace innovation and continuous education while urging employers to invest in their workforce. He reached out to development partners for support in enhancing labor market institutions that would improve productivity and worker well-being.
“This is not an impossible dream,” President Bio remarked. “It is the Sierra Leone that your labour is creating—brick by brick, day by day. Let us commit ourselves to building a nation where every worker’s contribution is valued, where labor leads to prosperity, and where the dignity of work becomes our national reality.”
The Labour Day celebrations for 2025 were marked by a renewed sense of hope as the government, workers, and partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting decent work and inclusive development in Sierra Leone.
For More News And Analysis About Sierra-Leone Follow Africa-Press
