Parliament of Sierra Leone on 4th March 2025 engaged in a debate on the Sierra Leone Shipping Agency Act 2025, a bill aimed at establishing the Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency as the country’s sole national carrier.
The proposed legislation seeks to grant the agency the authority to manage 40% of maritime transportation for all exports and imports, whether in bulk, liquid, or unitized form. It also covers a broad range of services, including freight forwarding, crew management, cabotage services, transshipment, and other logistics operations.
Presenting the bill, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Fanday Turay, emphasized its significance in strengthening the country’s shipping sector and revenue generation. He outlined key provisions and their potential impact on national development.
Chairman of the Committee on Transport and Aviation, Hon. Dickson Momoh Rogers, commended the initiative, describing the bill as “rich and developmentally oriented.” He stressed the importance of proper implementation to maximize revenue mobilization.
Hon. Ambrose Maada Lebby of Bo District highlighted the bill’s provisions regarding government support for the agency, particularly its ability to enter partnerships for vessel leasing. He urged other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to collaborate effectively.
Opposition MP Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma of Tonkolili District acknowledged the bill’s potential to enhance revenue but urged Parliament to ensure its smooth execution. Similarly, Opposition Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara from Kambia District underscored the legislature’s responsibility in enacting laws that strengthen state revenue generation.
Hon. Lolloh Tongi from Kailahun District raised concerns about Sierra Leone’s track record of passing strong legislation without effective implementation. She urged the Minister to ensure the law is enforced once enacted.
Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, while acknowledging the bill’s merits, expressed skepticism about the efficiency of state-owned enterprises in revenue generation. He referenced struggling entities such as the State Lottery and Sierratel, questioning whether the new agency could avoid similar inefficiencies. He also criticized the exclusion of the National Revenue Authority from the agency’s board.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, described the bill as a crucial step toward revenue mobilization and transformation of the shipping sector. He called on stakeholders to support the agency’s mandate and emphasized the need for a structured approach to negotiations with external partners.
Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew S. Nyuma, lauded the bill as progressive, citing its potential to boost state revenue. He addressed concerns raised by the opposition, particularly regarding taxation and revenue collection, and emphasized the importance of compliance and private sector partnerships. He also suggested amendments, including revising the requirement for the Director General’s 15 years of experience and including the Director General of the Sierra Leone Harbor and Port Authority on the agency’s board.
Following extensive deliberations, Hon. Nyuma moved a motion for the bill to be referred to the Legislative Committee for further scrutiny. The motion was seconded by the Acting Opposition Leader, signaling broad bipartisan support for continued examination of the bill before final enactment.
