By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Government of Sierra Leone has officially unveiled a comprehensive Aviation Safety Policy Statement aimed at strengthening safety oversight, enhancing regulatory compliance and sustaining public confidence in the country’s air transport system.
Approved by the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., on 25th February 2026, the policy underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety through proactive risk management and continuous performance improvement.
According to the policy statement, the Government is committed to fostering a positive safety culture within the aviation ecosystem, where every individual and institution assumes responsibility for upholding safety standards. Authorities emphasized that the State Safety Programme (SSP) has been established to ensure effective management of aviation safety risks, maintain robust oversight mechanisms and strengthen public trust in air transportation.
The Aviation Safety Policy outlines a broad framework through which Sierra Leone seeks to modernize and improve aviation governance. Among the key commitments highlighted are robust regulatory compliance, implementation of risk-based and performance-based safety oversight systems and the development of strategies and regulations to support the sustainable growth of civil aviation.
The policy further aligns Sierra Leone’s aviation system with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), reflecting the country’s determination to comply with global aviation safety benchmarks.
In a move aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, the Government also pledged to ensure adequate financial, human and organizational resources for aviation safety, including support for safety management systems and independent accident and incident investigation mechanisms.
Authorities additionally stressed the importance of equipping aviation personnel with the necessary skills and competencies to effectively discharge their responsibilities, while promoting a data-driven approach to safety regulation and management.
The policy statement noted that Sierra Leone will place emphasis on the protection of aviation safety data and information in accordance with international best practices, while encouraging effective reporting systems, continuous learning, transparency and risk-based surveillance to foster trust among stakeholders in the aviation sector.
Another major component of the policy is the Government’s commitment to continuous improvement in aviation safety performance through systematic hazard identification, risk management and close collaboration with local and international aviation stakeholders.
The policy also encourages innovation and the adoption of emerging technologies in civil aviation, signaling Sierra Leone’s ambition to build a resilient and future-ready aviation sector.
The Aviation Safety Policy was endorsed by the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Ms. Musayeroh Barrie and the Commissioner of the Sierra Leone Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (SL-AAIIB), Olubumi R. Wellington, reinforcing institutional support for the implementation of the initiative.
The introduction of the policy is expected to boost confidence in Sierra Leone’s aviation industry while strengthening safety standards in line with international requirements.
