The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has conducted a four-day capacity-building workshop for Sierra Leonean civil aviation officials and airport personnel from August 24 to August 28, 2026 at the SLCAA in Lungi to strengthen the country’s ability to identify, assess and mitigate insider risks within the aviation sector.
Organized under the Aviation Security Improvement Project for Sierra Leone, the workshop was facilitated by ICAO’s Western and Central African Office (WACAF). It brought together aviation security officials, regulators and airport operational personnel responsible for safeguarding civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference.
The training focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of insider threats, identifying vulnerabilities within aviation operations and developing appropriate preventive measures.
Insider threats remain a major concern within the global aviation industry because employees, contractors and other trusted personnel may have legitimate access to restricted areas, sensitive information and critical security systems. Such access can be exploited, intentionally or unintentionally, in ways that compromise the safety and security of passengers, crew members and airport workers.
During the workshop, participants were introduced to practical methods for developing insider-threat scenarios and applying risk-management principles in line with the Standards and Recommended Practices contained in Annex 17 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
The programme also introduced participants to relevant guidance contained in the ICAO Global Risk Context Statement, helping them assess threats, vulnerabilities, potential consequences and the likelihood of security incidents.
An ICAO facilitator, Rejoice Ndudinachi, said the workshop was designed to equip participants with the practical knowledge and skills required to identify and manage insider risks effectively within their respective aviation institutions.
A major component of the training focused on the preparation and management of national and airport-specific risk registers. Participants learned how to identify operational vulnerabilities, assess the likelihood and potential impact of threats, develop mitigation measures and maintain accurate and updated records.
The training also provided guidance on determining the appropriate level of security controls required to address specific risks within airport environments.
Participants described the workshop as an important intervention that had strengthened their understanding of insider risk management and provided practical tools they could apply in their workplaces.
One participant said the joint involvement of regulatory officials and airport operational personnel would promote coordination and create a common understanding of aviation security responsibilities.
Another participant noted that the risk-assessment methodology introduced during the training would help aviation personnel identify vulnerabilities at an early stage and implement appropriate measures before they develop into serious threats.
The workshop further emphasized the importance of establishing a strong and positive security culture across Sierra Leone’s aviation sector. Participants were reminded that effective aviation security depends not only on technology, surveillance equipment and physical controls but also on knowledgeable and vigilant personnel.
Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation to ICAO for its continued technical support to Sierra Leone.
“Grateful to ICAO for the capacity-building workshop on Insider Risk Mitigation. The training strengthened participants’ capacity to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks and implement effective mitigation measures,” Madam Musayeroh Barrie stated in a post on her official X account.
Under Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership, the SLCAA has continued to prioritize proactive security measures, including the mitigation of insider threats, cyber risks and operational vulnerabilities. The Authority has also strengthened partnerships with international aviation organisations to improve staff capacity and align Sierra Leone’s aviation sector with global safety and security standards.
The five-day workshop reinforced the principle that stronger aviation security requires a combination of effective systems, appropriate technology, institutional cooperation and well-trained personnel capable of detecting vulnerabilities and responding before risks become serious threats.
