Parliament Ratifies Aviation Agreement
The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday 21st April 2026 ratified the Amendment to Article 10 (4) of the Constitution of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s aviation governance framework and aligning it with continental transport development standards.
The amendment, which was originally adopted during the Twenty-Eighth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 31st January 2017, seeks to improve the operational efficiency, coordination, and regulatory effectiveness of civil aviation systems across member states, including Sierra Leone.
Presenting the agreement before Parliament for ratification, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Fanday Turay, described the development as a strategic milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to modernize its transport infrastructure. He explained that the amendment is designed to enhance institutional performance within the aviation sector while promoting greater efficiency in regional and international air transport cooperation.
Minister Turay further noted that the implementation of the amended constitutional provision would contribute to the establishment of a more structured and effective aviation governance mechanism, which could support the creation or strengthening of specialized agencies aimed at improving both domestic and international transport systems.
During parliamentary deliberations, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, underscored the importance of the ratification, stating that it positions Sierra Leone to better align with international best practices in aviation management and transport development. He emphasized that the approval of such agreements reflects Parliament’s commitment to ensuring that the country remains actively engaged in global regulatory and institutional frameworks that support economic growth and connectivity.
Hon. Nyuma also highlighted procedural requirements, noting the importance of maintaining a quorum before any legislative resolution is formally adopted, reinforcing the integrity of parliamentary decision-making processes.
The ratification was ultimately approved, with members of Parliament expressing support for initiatives that strengthen Sierra Leone’s transport and aviation sector. Lawmakers noted that improved compliance with international aviation standards is essential for enhancing safety, efficiency, and investor confidence in the country’s transport infrastructure.
In closing, the Minister of Transport and Aviation expressed appreciation to Parliament for the timely ratification of the agreement. He assured lawmakers that additional legislative instruments and international agreements aimed at advancing the transport sector would be presented for consideration in due course as part of ongoing reforms within the ministry.
