A Parliamentary Select Committee has assessed the operations, productivity and achievements of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), with particular attention to its contributions to national development.
The high-level delegation, led by the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, comprised senior Members of Parliament and other officials. It was received by SLPHA Director General Yankuba Askia Bio and members of the Authority’s Management team.
During the engagement, Yankuba Askia Bio presented an overview of the progress recorded by SLPHA in recent years, including revenue transfers to the Government of Sierra Leone, improvements in port infrastructure, enhanced operational capacity and measures introduced to strengthen safety and security.
According to the Director General, SLPHA transferred a total of US$19 million to the Government over three years. The Authority transferred US$4 million in 2023, US$7 million in 2024 and US$8 million in 2025.
The figures indicate a steady increase in SLPHA’s annual financial contribution to the Government and underscore the strategic importance of the maritime sector to Sierra Leone’s domestic revenue mobilization and economic development.
Yankuba Askia Bio also highlighted improvements to berth infrastructure at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, which have expanded the port’s operational capacity and enabled it to accommodate larger vessels, including Panamax ships.
The infrastructure improvements are expected to strengthen cargo-handling operations, increase the port’s competitiveness and support Sierra Leone’s international trade. The Queen Elizabeth II Quay handles a significant proportion of the country’s imports and exports, making its efficient operation critical to the national economy.
Members of Parliament commended SLPHA’s Management and Staff for the progress recorded. They, however, emphasized the need for the Authority to consistently communicate its activities, achievements and contributions to national development.
The parliamentary visit also provided an opportunity for the delegation to assess ongoing measures aimed at improving security, safety and emergency response at the port.
SLPHA recently provided two dedicated patrol vehicles to its Safety and Security Departments as part of efforts to strengthen surveillance and operational efficiency at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay.
The vehicles, one assigned to each department, were formally handed over by Director General Yankuba Askia Bio on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
The intervention is expected to improve routine patrols, enhance monitoring across port facilities and enable personnel to respond promptly to incidents, safety hazards and emerging security threats.
Speaking during the handover, Yankuba Askia Bio said the provision of the vehicles demonstrated Management’s commitment to equipping employees with the resources required to perform their duties effectively.
He described safety and security as essential to the smooth operation of Sierra Leone’s principal seaport, stressing that a modern port must be capable of monitoring its facilities, identifying risks and responding quickly to emergencies.
The Director General urged personnel in the Safety and Security Departments to use the vehicles responsibly and remain proactive in carrying out their duties.
He said the patrol vehicles should contribute meaningfully to protecting port users, employees, cargo, equipment and other critical infrastructure within the facility.
Regular patrols are also expected to help personnel detect suspicious activities, identify potential safety hazards and respond more efficiently to incidents across the port’s operational areas.
The provision of the vehicles forms part of SLPHA Management’s broader efforts to improve working conditions, strengthen institutional capacity and promote higher standards of safety, security and service delivery.
The parliamentary engagement concluded with a tour of facilities at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay. The delegation also visited the proposed Kent and Banana Island seaport locations to assess their potential role in expanding Sierra Leone’s maritime infrastructure.
Through its infrastructure development, increased financial contributions and improved security operations, SLPHA has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe, responsive and efficiently managed port capable of supporting national development and international trade.
