Defence Ministry Seeks NLe7.59 Billion for Recruitment, Border Security and Military Upgrades in 2027
Kanja Sesay The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is seeking NLe7.59 billion for the 2027 financial year as it plans to recruit and train 1,800 personnel, bring in 500 border guards and strengthen Sierra Leone’s capabilities in border security, maritime and air surveillance, cybersecurity, military healthcare and barracks development.
The Ministry presented its priorities during the ongoing Bilateral Budget Hearings on Monday, September 28, 2026, outlining NLe1.29 billion for recurrent expenditure and NLe6.30 billion for Public Investment Programmes (PIPs).
During a separate presentation, the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MoPAPA) requested NLe15.553 million for its 2027 programmes, significantly above its budget ceiling of NLe5.8773 million.
Among its major priorities for 2027, the Defence Ministry plans to recruit and train 1,800 personnel, including 300 specialists, in addition to 500 border guards.
The Ministry also plans to operationalise C5ISTAR and cybersecurity capabilities, construct and refurbish military barracks, establish Level III healthcare services and provide professional military training for 30% of personnel.
Another priority is equipping and providing accommodation for the Commando Regiment.
Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura said the country’s Defence Policy and Strategy guides efforts to protect Sierra Leone’s sovereignty, maintain national stability, support development and uphold democratic governance.
He said the Ministry’s strategic vision extends beyond 2035 and places emphasis on developing a professional and capable force that can respond to emerging national, regional and global security challenges.
The Ministry outlined several broader defence objectives, including strengthening Sierra Leone’s ability to deter and respond to threats such as terrorism and subversion.
It also identified protecting the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone and marine resources, maintaining air surveillance and intelligence capabilities and strengthening the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces’ ability to contribute to regional and sub-regional peace and security.
The Ministry’s defence approach covers border security, counter-terrorism, emergency response, maritime security, air power and cybersecurity.
The military also intends to continue contributing to national development through areas including agriculture, civil construction and engineering, healthcare, peace missions and the garment factory.
Giving an update on its 2026 activities, the Ministry reported ongoing recruitment and training involving 1,624 personnel, of whom 1,452 were said to be currently undergoing training.
However, the planned recruitment of 500 border guards remains outstanding.
Other areas reported as not achieved during the period include establishing the Tri-Service structure, constructing and refurbishing barracks and developing Level III hospital capability.
Deputy Minister of Defence Colonel (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi described the bilateral budget hearing as an important exercise for national accountability and due diligence.
The Defence Ministry session was facilitated by Deputy Director of Budget Jacob Tenga Sessie and Deputy Director of Fiscal Decentralisation Ibrahim Bureh.
Sessie said the budget process is conducted in accordance with Sierra Leone’s laws and public financial management requirements, with emphasis on ensuring accountability for resources allocated to public institutions and how those resources are used.
The Ministry reported that its 2026 budget request was NLe1.7359 billion, compared with an approved budget of NLe286.9 million.
According to figures presented during the hearing, actual disbursements between January and September 2026 amounted to NLe533 million.
Major expenditure drivers included NLe114.69 million for rice, NLe105.28 million for fuel, NLe63.46 million for ration cash allowance and running costs, NLe40.64 million for recruitment and training, NLe58.70 million for uniforms and NLe50.69 million for vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs presented a NLe15.553 million funding requirement for 2027, against a budget ceiling of NLe5.8773 million.
This leaves an excess requirement of approximately NLe9.6757 million.
MoPAPA said its proposed programmes are aimed at promoting an efficient, inclusive and accountable public service while strengthening democratic governance and improving public administration.
The Ministry’s budget hearing was anchored by Deputy Director of Budget Illara Mahdi, with the estimates presented in line with Section 31(1) of the Public Financial Management Act.
Among MoPAPA’s proposed activities is the commemoration of the United Nations World Public Service Day, estimated to cost NLe5.031 million.
The Ministry is also seeking NLe2.508 million for a National Executive Master Class on Public Service Culture Transformation, while NLe2.030 million is proposed for developing and reviewing human resource management tools and frameworks.
Another NLe2.062 million is earmarked for strategic engagements on democratic and political governance, while administrative expenses are estimated at NLe3.922 million.
For 2026, MoPAPA reported an approved budget of NLe5.068 million, of which NLe2.0272 million had been received during the first half of the year, representing 40%. The Ministry reported NLe3.0408 million as unallocated.
The bilateral hearings provided stakeholders with an opportunity to scrutinise the ministries’ programmes, expenditure requirements and expected deliverables.
The 2027 discussions are also focused on aligning institutional priorities with available government resources and the broader objectives of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024–2030.