By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, has highlighted Lungi’s economic potential, citing its strategic location, expanding infrastructure and investment opportunities as key factors that could support its bid for city status and position it as a major centre of economic growth in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press conference at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown, Ambassador Lamina said Lungi could attract investment, create jobs and stimulate economic activities if adequate infrastructure and administrative structures were put in place.
He identified the international airport, international conference centre, hotel developments and tourism opportunities as key assets that could transform Lungi into a thriving commercial hub.
According to the minister, these facilities could help Sierra Leone attract international conferences, business visitors and investors, generating economic benefits for Lungi and the wider country.
He noted that Lungi’s position as the country’s main international gateway gives it strategic importance, making investment in infrastructure and local administration essential to its long-term development.
Ambassador Lamina said the area could experience significant economic growth as new investments emerge and improved infrastructure makes it more attractive to businesses and visitors.
He explained that modern conference facilities and hospitality infrastructure could enable Lungi to host international events, create employment opportunities and promote tourism.
The minister also identified the proposed Lungi Bridge as a major infrastructure project that could accelerate economic development in the area.
He said the bridge should be viewed not only as a transportation project but also as an investment that could open up land for residential, commercial and business development.
According to him, improved connectivity between Lungi and Freetown could reduce travel difficulties, encourage settlement and make it easier for people to establish businesses in the area.
He added that better road access could support the emergence of new commercial centres, attract private-sector investment and expand economic opportunities for local communities.
The minister maintained that the bridge’s potential benefits extended beyond transportation, as improved connectivity could influence where people live, work and conduct business.
Ambassador Lamina also linked Lungi’s development prospects to the government’s proposed reorganization of local government structures, which he said was intended to strengthen administration, bring public services closer to residents and enable local councils to respond more effectively to community needs.
He acknowledged that establishing new administrative structures would initially require additional government funding but described the expenditure as a long-term investment in local development.
The minister emphasized the importance of improving revenue mobilization, urging local councils to identify sustainable sources of income within their jurisdictions rather than relying entirely on central government transfers.
He said the Ministry of Finance would work with relevant institutions to assess funding requirements and support the implementation of the proposed administrative arrangements.
Ambassador Lamina added that the government remained committed to supporting local councils while encouraging them to become more financially sustainable.
He argued that stronger local institutions, improved infrastructure and effective revenue generation could help communities make better use of their economic resources.
The minister’s remarks highlighted Lungi’s potential to contribute more significantly to Sierra Leone’s economic development through investment in infrastructure, tourism, hospitality and commercial activities.
With the international airport serving as a major entry point into the country, Lungi could attract more visitors and investors if infrastructure and administrative arrangements continued to improve.
He maintained that the proposed Lungi Bridge, combined with investment in local government structures and other essential facilities, could lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth, job creation and expanded business opportunities in the years ahead.