By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has submitted a funding request of NLe312.9 million for the 2026 fiscal year, aiming to strengthen service delivery, boost domestic revenue, and contribute to national food security.
The request was presented during the FY2026 planning and budgeting hearings, jointly organized by the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN). Alongside the proposal, the ministry unveiled its three-year budget framework (2025–2027), highlighting progress made and plans for future development.
In her remarks, Isatu Ngegba, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, explained that the proposed budget reflects the operational challenges facing government programs while aligning with national development goals. She emphasized the vital role of fisheries in Sierra Leone’s food security:
“Fishing is a lifeline for many Sierra Leoneans and must be managed sustainably to meet growing national demand,” she stated.
A key component of the budget proposal is the strengthening of the Blue Ocean Management System, which aims to promote sustainable fishing practices and ensure seafood exports meet international trade and environmental standards.
The ministry also revealed plans to enhance domestic revenue generation by expanding its digital registration system for industrial fishing operations and increasing private sector participation in the sector.
Presenting the FY2026–2028 budget framework, Sheik Sesay, Acting Director of Fisheries, stressed the national and international significance of the fisheries sector. He described it as a “shelter sector,” emphasizing that, according to ministry data, approximately 65% of the protein consumed in Sierra Leone comes from fish.
Sesay also highlighted the ministry’s continued reliance on development assistance and technical government support to enhance its programs. He reiterated plans to further modernize digital systems and encourage broader private sector engagement to expand the sector’s revenue base.
The ministry’s proposal is seen as a strategic move to align with Sierra Leone’s broader food security agenda, environmental sustainability goals, and economic development priorities.