The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) has engaged the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security to strengthen collaboration towards incorporating the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, into Sierra Leone’s domestic law.
During the meeting in Freetown on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, Emmanuel B. A. Lansana, Deputy Executive Director of the SLMA, outlined ongoing efforts to modernize the institution’s legal framework and strengthen maritime governance in line with international standards.
He explained that the Administration was established under the 2000 Act and that efforts were underway to update its legal framework to reflect its current status and responsibilities as a maritime authority.
Lansana also highlighted the Merchant Shipping Act, 2026, which was passed by Parliament in June and received presidential assent on 3 September 2026. He noted that the revised legislation incorporates provisions from key international maritime conventions, including aspects of the MLC, while supporting regulations are being developed.
The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, sets out international standards for seafarers’ working and living conditions, employment rights, welfare and protection.
Lansana reaffirmed the SLMA’s commitment to working with the Ministry and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to develop a dedicated MLC Act that would fully incorporate the Convention into Sierra Leone’s domestic legal framework.
Responding, the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, welcomed the initiative and expressed the Ministry’s readiness to support the process. He emphasised the importance of collaboration in strengthening labour standards and safeguarding workers’ welfare.
The Minister proposed establishing a joint committee comprising representatives from the Ministry, the SLMA and other relevant institutions to coordinate the process and develop a clear implementation plan.
Both parties agreed to share the proposed concept note, consult relevant technical experts and schedule a follow-up meeting to advance the initiative ahead of engagements with the ILO scheduled for June 2027.
The proposed collaboration is expected to support efforts to align Sierra Leone’s maritime labour legislation with international standards and strengthen protections for seafarers.