By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Bo residents can now access passport and immigration services locally after the Sierra Leone Immigration Department officially launched its decentralised office in the Southern Region this week.
The Bo rollout follows successful launches in Kenema and Makeni and forms part of Chief Immigration Officer Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio’s plan to bring services closer to citizens nationwide, cutting out costly trips to Freetown.
“More than a ceremony”
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Edward Aiah Ngaujah, who chaired the event, said the expansion reflects government’s commitment to people-centred governance under President Julius Maada Bio. He praised the Internal Affairs Minister and Dr. Baio for pushing reforms that reduce travel burdens for applicants.
Bo City Mayor Kobba Musa welcomed the facility, recalling how residents once spent weeks in Freetown to process passports. He urged the public to protect the office and called on other agencies to adopt similar decentralisation.
Traditional and civil society leaders also hailed the move. The Paramount Chief of Bo Kakua Chiefdom called it a “major milestone,” while a Southern Region civil society representative described it as a “landmark achievement” for the entire south after years of stalled plans.
Digital upgrades and jobs
A representative of Net Page, the passport production partner, confirmed technical work for the Bo office is complete. Constrats Systems Sierra Leone Limited, which manages the unified electronic system for resident and work permits, said the 50-year public-private partnership began in January 2026 with full nationwide enforcement starting 1 June 2026.
The CEO added that new operational offices at border posts have created jobs and boosted government revenue.
Parliament’s Internal Affairs Committee Chairman commended Dr. Baio’s “results-driven” leadership and urged professionalism at service points. The Bo District Council Chairman expressed optimism for faster, more transparent service delivery in the region.
Closing the event, Dr. Baio thanked President Bio for the appointment and reaffirmed his commitment to rebranding the department. He announced that decentralisation will extend to all districts in the coming months.
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