The Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Aviation chaired by Hon. Dickson Momoh Rogers, on Wednesday 04/06/2025, engaged different stakeholders in the Transport Sector. The meeting was held at the Atlantic Hotel in Freetown on the theme ” Innovative Solutions, Stronger Partnership and Robust Measures for Resilient Transport and Aviation Sector”.
In his brief remarks as the Master of Ceremony of the event, the Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Gilbert Bosco N’habay said the Transport and Aviation sector is a critical sector and has great economic impact.
He continued by stating the need for more legislation to address certain challenges affecting the transport sector. He said that engagement with stakeholders would provide better resolutions, which will eventually address potential problems affecting the sector.
Welcoming participants during the engagement, the Chairman of Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Aviation who doubles as the Government Chief Whip of Parliament, Honourable Dickson Rogers, said the gathering was not only timely but essential in finding solutions to addressing transport challenges in the country. He said there is a need to embrace innovations to boost the transport sector in Sierra Leone. “The success of our transport sector depends on collective work with all players in the sector,” he said.
Hon. Dickson Rogers continued that Parliament is a partner in supporting the transport and aviation sector and that the oversight committee would work to ensure that policies are established to strengthen the sector. He categorically stated that as the Chairman of the oversight Committee, he would ensure that Parliament gives full support to the sector players with the required legislation to improve the transportation in Sierra Leone.
In his submission during the engagement, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Honourable Abdul Kargbo extended appreciation to the organisers for organising such an important stakeholders engagement to address burning issues affecting the transport sector. The Leader went on to say that the transport and aviation sector remains one of the most importance sector that requires government attention.
“Addressing major issues in the transport sector is a collective responsibility, “he said. He assured that the opposition is in full support to ensure that challenges in the sector are addressed. Hon. Kargbo noted that investment and innovations are highly essential in resolving major issues in the sector. He said there is also a need to have helicopter services to address emergencies in the country. Honourable Abdul Kargbo reaffirmed that the people of Sierra Leone deserve safe roads and reliable transportation services across the country.
Speaking on the side of Government in Parliament, the Deputy Majority Leader of Government Business, Honourable Bashiru Silikie referenced the 1991 Constitution which gives Parliament the power to hold the executive accountable and to ensure there is effective service delivery for the people of Sierra Leone. He expressed appreciation to the Ministry for the intention of the government to construct another airport in Sierra Leone. Hon Silikie informed that Sierra Leone is still trying to get basic needs and that development is not automatic. “Sierra Leone will surely arrive at its destination in terms of development,” he said.
In a keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rex Bonapha began his submission by re-emphassing the significance of the event, he reaffirmed President Bio’s Government commitment in boosting the transportation sector in Sierra Leone. Rex Bonapha highlighted achievements made in the transport sector under the leadership of President Bio. He said there is much progress in the transport sector and that the government would continue working with other players to address major challenges in the transport sector. He singled out the progress made at the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbour Authority. He ended by appreciating the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Aviation for its oversight performances over the years. He disclosed that the government is working on modalities for the construction of a new airport in Sierra Leone.
In a PowerPoint presentations and panel discussions, representatives of the various institutions highlighted their contributions towards the transportation sector in Sierra Leone. The Public Relations Officer of Drivers Union, Mohamed Conteh said, the laws in Sierra Leone are only working for the insurance companies but not working for the transport operators. He expressed dissatisfaction and asked for more working relationship within transport sector players.
Africa Global Transport and Logistics, FIA,SLCAA, SLRSA,MARITIME, LRMG, and others participated in the engagement. The panel discussions were moderated by the Director of Parliamentary and Public Relations Department, Sheku Lamin Turay and the Director of Legislative Services Mohamed Deen-Lamin Rogers, who eloquently spoke about the significance of the event in boosting the transport sector in Sierra Leone.
The event was climaxed with certifications and recognition of deserving institutions for their countless contributions within the Transport Sector.
