At FY2026 Budget Hearing… SLPHA Records Impressive Growth In Revenue Generation

By Saidu Jalloh

During the ongoing FY2026 budget discussions, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) announced an increase in its contribution to the Consolidated Fund, rising from Le 100 million in the 2025 fiscal year to Le 120 million in 2026.

Speaking at the ceremony, Malcom Leigh, Deputy Director of Finance, disclosed that the Authority continues to fulfill its responsibility of contributing over Le 120 million annually from concession fees and royalties. He further revealed that government holds 20% shares in the operations of Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL).

Leigh emphasized the strategic role of SLPHA in Sierra Leone’s economy, noting that it oversees approximately 90% of cargo movements in and out of the country’s ports and harbours. According to him, the Authority serves as the “backbone of the national economy,” making a significant contribution to GDP through trade facilitation.

Highlighting the institution’s aims and objectives, Leigh explained that SLPHA’s overall goal is to promote sustainable economic growth by enhancing port services, safety, and security. He added that the Authority is also focused on promoting the image of Sierra Leone’s ports to regional and international standards, increasing government revenue, eliminating wastages and leakages in port management, improving service delivery, developing port infrastructure, and expanding capacity at Port Nitti and other facilities.

On achievements, Leigh pointed out that since its establishment in 1964, SLPHA has recorded several milestones, including the repeal and replacement of the outdated Ports Act of 1964 with the progressive Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority Act of 2023. Other notable achievements include the approval of the SLPHA tariff regulation in March 2025, the construction of a new eastward terminal by NSBT, Board approval and Ministry of Finance concurrence for a new administrative building, development of a new port security plan in compliance with the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code, and an unqualified audit opinion for its 2024 financial statements.

Addressing past litigation issues, Leigh clarified that the case involving Sahr Joseph and 37 others was amicably resolved in 2023, when the plaintiffs voluntarily signed an agreement with SLPHA to accept 50% of their end-of-service benefits as full and final payment. On another case filed by Suliaman Bangura and others claiming benefits totaling Le 3,776,028, he stressed that SLPHA was not a substantive defendant, as the plaintiffs were neither employed nor hired by the Authority.

Despite these achievements, Leigh acknowledged that SLPHA continues to face challenges, including the urgent need for jetty and berth rehabilitation, dredging, installation of navigational signals such as buoys and lights, procurement of tugboats and pilot/service boats for towage services, and the construction of a new administrative building. He also raised concerns over difficulties in accessing royalty fees from port operators.

He warned of threats to port operations, such as the proximity of heavy machinery and cargo handling operations that increase accident risks, exposure to hazardous materials like clinker, cement, and fuel fumes that endanger staff health, structural damage to the berth in front of the administrative building caused by vessel impacts, and the presence of squatters within the port perimeter.

On revenue streams, Leigh noted that SLPHA’s main sources include marine services, stevedore services (liquid bulk), container terminal throughput fees, break-bulk throughput fees, marine slipway fees, and other income.

Presenting a summary of the Authority’s budget estimates, he stated that allocations are directed to vehicles (Le 15,710), vessels and jetties (Le 3,785), furniture (Le 1,545), computer hardware/software (Le 2,006), other equipment (Le 2,647), plant and machinery (Le 856), and buildings (Le 97,200).

In conclusion, Leigh reaffirmed SLPHA’s commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s maritime industry, stressing that the Authority will continue to play a central role in economic growth through efficient port management, revenue generation, and strategic reforms that align with international best practices.