By Joseph Momoh reporter D.S
The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has unveiled an aggressive 100-Day Plan to enforce labour laws, protect workers and sanitise overseas recruitment, following a strategic engagement with Chief Minister Dr. Moinina Sengeh on Monday, September 15, 2026.
The meeting was part of government’s delivery clinics aimed at reviewing ministerial priorities, tackling institutional bottlenecks and accelerating delivery in line with the Medium-Term National Development Plan.
Chief Minister Dr. Sengeh said the clinics provide a platform for ministries to clearly define what must be delivered in the next 6, 12 and 18 months. He assured the Labour Ministry of government’s support in addressing its challenges and delivering tangible results.
Presenting his Ministry’s roadmap, the new Minister, Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma, said his focus is on legislative implementation, labour protection, employment regulation and strengthening social security.
He said the Ministry will prioritise full enforcement of the Employment Act, 2023, after years of consultations. Key among this is ensuring payment of workers’ end-of-service benefits, promoting employment of Sierra Leoneans, and compelling employers of foreign nationals to implement clear skills and knowledge transfer plans.
Koroma disclosed that two critical Bills – Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Safety and Health – are now before Parliament, while additional reforms are being worked on with the Attorney-General for Cabinet and Parliamentary consideration.
On his First 100 Days Plan, the Minister explained that the first 30 days will focus on diagnosis, reorganisation and public awareness on the Employment Act and minimum wage. The next phase will intensify stakeholder engagement and education for employers, followed by employer mobilisation, workplace inspections and pushing through pending legislation.
The Ministry also plans to strengthen the National Employment Portal to compel all public and private employers to post verified vacancies, to boost transparency and access to jobs.
On compliance, Koroma said the Ministry will start with engagement and education of employers on their statutory obligations before moving to rigorous inspections and enforcement.
He also raised concern over the abuse of Sierra Leonean workers recruited for jobs abroad, revealing that the Ministry is reviewing all licensed overseas recruitment agencies after reports of citizens abandoned in Guinea while in transit for foreign jobs.
He said the Ministry has suspended certain recruitment practices through Guinea and is working with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to investigate recent incidents and prevent exploitation.
The Minister further called for more staff and logistics for labour inspectors to effectively monitor workplaces, enforce minimum wage and occupational safety standards, and strengthen protection for retired workers.
The engagement ended with a renewed commitment by government to strengthen labour governance, protect workers’ rights and ensure decent work for all.
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