Sierra Leone Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Aviation, chaired by Hon. Dickson Momoh Rogers, on Wednesday, 4 May 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”.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Gilbert Bosco N’habay, said, Transport and Aviation sector is a critical sector and has a 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 would eventually address potential problems affecting the sector.

The Chairman of the 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.

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“The success of our transport sector depends on collective work with all players in the sector,” he said.

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 important sector that requires government attention.

Furthermore, 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 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 reaffirming the significance of the event, and he reaffirmed President Bio’s  Government commitment to boosting the transportation sector in Sierra Leone.

Deputy Minister Rex Bonapha also 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 performance over the years. He disclosed that the government is working on modalities for the construction of a new airport in Sierra Leone.

Finally, the event was climaxed with certifications and recognition of deserving institutions for their countless contributions within the Transport Sector.