The Parliament of Sierra Leone debated the Sierra Leone Shipping Agency Act 2025, a proposed law aimed at establishing the Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency as the country’s sole national carrier on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
The proposed legislation grants the agency the authority to manage 40% of all imports and exports, both in bulk and unitised form. It also includes oversight of maritime services such as freight clearing, trans-shipment, crew management, and logistics. Additionally, the Act seeks to enhance revenue generation and streamline shipping operations in the country.
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Fanday Turay, introduced the Bill, emphasising its importance in strengthening the maritime sector. He outlined the key provisions and highlighted the potential benefits of the legislation.
The Chairman of the Committee on Transport and Aviation, Hon. Dickson Momoh Rogers, commended the initiative. He emphasised its potential to ensure proper governance between the agency’s board and administration, stressing the need for effective implementation to boost revenue generation.
Hon. Ambrose Maada Lebby of Bo District expressed support for the Bill, particularly Part 3, which addresses government support for the agency. He called for measures to ensure collaboration between the agency and other state institutions.
Opposition Deputy Leader 2, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma of Tonkolili District, noted that the Bill was non-controversial and would significantly enhance revenue mobilisation. He urged the House to approve it while ensuring proper oversight during its implementation.
Opposition Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara of Kambia District, emphasised Parliament’s role in enacting laws that enhance revenue collection. He pointed out the challenges in revenue mobilisation and called for greater parliamentary oversight.
Hon. Lolloh Tongi of Kailahun District criticised the country’s history of passing strong legislation without ensuring proper enforcement. She urged the Minister of Transport and Aviation to guarantee full implementation once the Bill becomes law.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, described the Bill as a transformative measure that would enhance the country’s revenue base. He highlighted Section 13, which allows for negotiations with external partners, and called on all stakeholders to support the agency’s growth.
Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, acknowledged the Bill’s potential but raised concerns about the performance of state-owned enterprises. Citing struggling institutions like the National Lottery and Sierratel, he warned against inefficiencies that could undermine the agency’s effectiveness. He also questioned why the National Revenue Authority (NRA) was excluded from the agency’s board.
Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew S. Nyuma, praised the Bill as a progressive step toward economic development. He addressed concerns about revenue collection, taxation, and the agency’s governance structure. He supported the proposal to include the Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority on the board but rejected a clause requiring the agency’s Director General to have 15 years of experience.
Hon. Nyuma moved for the Bill to be forwarded to the Legislative Committee for further scrutiny, a motion seconded by the Acting Leader of the Opposition.
With strong support from both government and opposition members, the Bill will undergo further review before its potential enactment into law.
