By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), Mr. James Baggie Bio, paid a courtesy visit on Monday, 28 July 2025, to the Minister of Internal Affairs, AIG (Rtd.) Morie Lengor Esq., to explore strategic collaboration aimed at improving citizen safety and national security.
Mr. Bio highlighted efforts to prevent the registration and licensing of stolen vehicles by enhancing the SLRSA database with improved verification and vehicle-tracking systems.
He raised concerns about operational challenges faced by Road Safety Corps officers, especially instances where police support is crucial. He requested stronger institutional cooperation to ensure both agencies can perform effectively within their mandates.
AIG (Rtd.) Morie Lengor welcomed the visit, calling it both timely and strategic. He commended Mr. Bio’s efforts to block the registration of stolen vehicles and emphasized the broader public security implications of these systems.
The Minister also pledged to initiate stakeholder meetings with bodies in both transport and security sectors to strengthen collaboration. He expressed concern about risks posed by container trucks, general vehicle roadworthiness, and the need for elevated national road safety standards.
Both officials agreed on the importance of modernizing the sector, including technology adoption to better manage road transport systems and enforce compliance.
Under the leadership of James Baggie Bio, the SLRSA has already initiated transformative efforts, such as cracking down on illegal street garages in Freetown a campaign launched on 5 May 2025 along the Hillside Bypass Road, executed jointly with the Sierra Leone Police and Road Safety Corps.
His leadership during the first 100 days in office has also seen significant reforms, including the introduction of mobile licensing clinics, performance contracts for managers, and streamlined service delivery operations.
Minister Lengor encouraged the ongoing collaboration and stressed the shared responsibility of ensuring road safety to protect public life and infrastructure.
This engagement marks a proactive step toward enhancing road safety and national security. It demonstrates high-level commitment to institutional synergy and the use of modern strategies for safer transport governance.