By Aminata Bintu Kallon
On June 17, 2026, the Sierra Leone Immigration Service (SLIS) presented its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Freetown, seeking funding, technical collaboration, and partnership to strengthen border management and security.
Chief Immigration Officer Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio Esq. explained that the plan was shaped by a public perception survey which revealed low trust in SLIS staff and services, mainly due to corruption and unprofessional conduct. He emphasized that restoring public confidence is central to the Service’s reform agenda.
In his presentation, Dr. Baio outlined four key areas of focus: service excellence and process re‑engineering, integrity and ethics, digitalization, and regimental transformation. He noted that SLIS is reviewing its legislation to address gaps in border governance. “There is no proper state authority charged with the legislative mandate of border governance and security. That is why SLIS is asking in our new legislation to be charged with the sole responsibility for border management and security,” he said.
The CIO stressed that immigration must serve as the gatekeeper for the movement of people across Sierra Leone’s borders, with other agencies acting as support actors. He added that SLIS is committed to aligning with the national security framework, with border security as a priority. He also pointed out that Mano River Union countries face similar challenges, creating opportunities for regional cooperation.
“We want to transform SLIS into a trusted, professional, and digitally‑driven service. We will appreciate UNDP’s support in Border Management & Security and Mobility to deliver effectively at our porous borders,” Dr. Baio said.
UNDP representatives commended the clarity of the plan and agreed to deepen engagement on priority areas of mutual interest.
The meeting marked a step forward in SLIS’s efforts to modernize its operations, strengthen accountability, and secure Sierra Leone’s borders under the new strategic plan.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 22nd June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
