By: Barclay Karnley Jr
MONROVIA: Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has introduced a proposed bill, seeking to amend the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) Act, as amended, to extend the retirement age and make retirement voluntary rather than mandatory.
The proposed legislation, titled: “An Act to Amend the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation Act, as Amended, to Extend the Retirement Age to Promote Voluntary and Prohibit Mandatory Retirement,” was presented to the Senate on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, and placed on the floor for a second reading.
The Montserrado lawmaker argued that the existing retirement framework should be reconsidered to reflect changing workforce realities and protect employees from being forced out of employment solely because they have attained the age of 60 or 65, or completed 25 years of continuous service.
Senator Dillon believes that reaching a particular age should not automatically end an individual's working career, especially when the employee remains physically capable, productive, and willing to continue serving.
According to him, the proposed legislation is intended to protect workers' rights and dignity while giving employees the freedom to decide when they are ready to retire.
The propose legislation seeks to prevent employees from being involuntarily separated from their jobs solely due to their age or length of service while recognizing the right of capable and productive workers to continue contributing to the workforce.
The bill also recognize that many Liberians enter formal employment and begin making social security contributions later in life, arguing that extending the retirement age would give these employees additional time to contribute toward their pensions and improve their retirement security.
If passed into law, the amendment would require NASSCORP and the Ministry of Labour to review applicable regulations and establish mechanisms to guide employers and employees through the new retirement framework.
The proposed legislation would allow public and private institutions to retain experienced professionals whose knowledge, technical expertise, and mentorship remain valuable to institutional growth and the development of younger employees.
It will also help Strengthen Pension Adequacy and Sustainability where Longer periods of employment and social security contributions could improve individual pension benefits while supporting the financial sustainability of Liberia's national social security system, subject to appropriate actual assessments and regulatory adjustments.
The bill also promotes Fairness and Freedom of Choice, distinguishing voluntary early retirement from mandatory retirement and at the same time give eligible employees the freedom to retire when they choose while seeking to prevent coercion, retaliation, and constructive dismissal based solely on age or years of service.
The proposed Act deals with orderly Implementation and Enforcement whereas the suggested amendment directs NASSCORP and the Ministry of Labour to review relevant regulations, educate employers and employees, establish complaint mechanisms, and ensure compliance and also provides for transitional arrangements to facilitate implementation.
While promoting employees' rights, the legislation recognizes appropriate exceptions for safety-critical occupations and constitutional or other legally mandated offices, ensuring that workers' protections are balanced with institutional responsibilities and public safety.
Beyond individual employee benefits, Senator Dillon maintains that employers and government institutions could benefit from retaining qualified personnel rather than automatically losing experienced workers upon reaching a prescribed retirement age.
The proposed legislation aims to ensure that retirement becomes a matter of personal choice for eligible employees who remain capable and willing to work.
If passed into law, the amendment would require NASSCORP and the Ministry of Labour to review applicable regulations and establish mechanisms to guide employers and employees through the new retirement framework.
Towards Economic Empowerment And Reconciliation
