Sierra Leone – Transport Minister Engages Stakeholders within the Transport and Aviation Sector Ahead of 2027 ICAO Audit; Calls for Improved Performance
The Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., has called on the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) and all aviation sector operators to intensify preparations for the 2027 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), stressing that Sierra Leone must improve on its previous performance and demonstrate significant progress.Speaking during a high-level engagement with the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority and key aviation operators, Minister Turay described the upcoming ICAO audit as a critical national assignment which requires full commitment of every institution within the aviation sector.“We have a huge task ahead of us. We must improve on our previous figures. During the last ICAO audit, Sierra Leone scored 71 % on safety and 72 % on security ratings. We now have new operators, modern equipment and stronger institutional capacity, so we must do better. We are moving from where we are to the top, and that will only happen through hard work, coordination and commitment,” the Minister said.He urged the SLCAA, airport authorities, airlines, ground handling companies, security agencies and other aviation stakeholders to take the preparatory process seriously by ensuring compliance with international safety, security and operational standards.The Minister noted that the Government remains committed to strengthening Sierra Leone’s aviation sector through continuous investment, regulatory reforms and enhanced collaboration with industry partners to position the country as a safe and reliable aviation hub in the region.Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Madam Musayeroh Barrie underscored the national importance of the ICAO audit, describing it as an exercise that goes beyond the aviation industry and reflects the country’s commitment to international best practices.“This is a very important event for the State, so we need to take it very seriously,” she said, urging all aviation operators and regulatory agencies to work collectively to ensure Sierra Leone records an improved outcome during the 2027 audit.The meeting reaffirmed the Ministry of Transport and Aviation’s determination to work closely with the SLCAA and all aviation stakeholders to enhance regulatory oversight, strengthen aviation safety and security, and achieve a higher ICAO compliance score that reflects the country’s ongoing reforms in the aviation sector.Source: Comm Unit Ministry of Transport and Aviation
