By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
The Parliamentary oversight committee on defence, chaired by Hon. Alex Rogers, convened a high-level engagement with officers from the ministry of defence, May 30, 2025 the office of National Security (ONS), and the law officers’ department to discuss the management, regulation, and safety of explosives in Sierra Leone, the meeting took place at the ONS Headquarters, Tower Hill, Freetown.
The session was part of Parliament’s ongoing oversight efforts to improve the handling, transportation, usage, and legal framework governing explosives in the country. MPs emphasized the urgent need for a robust and coordinated approach, particularly in light of the growing concerns around proliferation and misuse of explosives.
In his opening remarks, chairman Hon. Alex Rogers noted increasing concerns over the handling and regulation of explosive materials, citing their hazardous nature and potential security threats. he stressed the importance of due diligence, strong legal frameworks, and proper oversight to minimize risks.
There is a pressing need to ensure comprehensive control measures and the revision of outdated laws regulating explosives, Hon. Rogers stated, calling for updated legislation and increased public awareness through nationwide sensitization.
Chief of staff and chief Inspector of explosives, major general Amara Idara Bangura, delivered a detailed presentation outlining current trends and regulatory gaps in the explosives sector. A representative from the Law officers’ department also briefed the committee on efforts to revise the obsolete 1955 explosives ordinance, additionally, an ONS official presented recent achievements in explosives governance and risk mitigation.
Key issues highlighted during the meeting was the need for greater synergy between the ministry of defence, ONS, and the Law officers’ department in overseeing the explosives industry, the formation of a transition team aimed at creating a centralized “one-stop shop” for explosives regulation., Progress in establishing a comprehensive database of all companies and individuals involved in the explosives sector
an urgent need to repeal and replace the outdated 1955 explosives Act to reflect modern realities and safety standards, the danger of dual-use explosives, which can serve both industrial and military purposes, raising concerns about potential misuse.
The committee also raised concerns about the involvement of multiple unregulated actors in the explosives sector, with security agencies expressing alarm over uncoordinated activities. MPs stressed the importance of supporting indigenous companies in line with Sierra Leone’s local content policy while ensuring strict regulatory compliance. in terms of next steps, the committee recommended the following key actions
A formal handover of responsibilities to the chief of staff by agencies previously managing explosives, to streamline operations under a single regulatory authority, expedited implementation of nationwide sensitization campaigns on the safe handling of explosives, with a focus on human security.
Utilization of the existing seven standard operating procedures (SOPs) as a foundation for revising or repealing the 1955 Ordinance, regular updates to parliament, including periodic site visits by MPs to explosives facilities for monitoring purposes, the meeting concluded with a strong call for collaboration across institutions to ensure safer and more effective management of explosive materials in Sierra Leone.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Wednesday, June 4TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
