By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
In a strategic push to elevate civic engagement and transparency, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) has submitted a proposed budget of NLE 92.2 million for the 2026 fiscal year. This proposal significantly surpasses the government-approved limit of SLE 81 million, exceeding it by NLE 11 million.
The budget was unveiled during a recent high-level hearing at the Ministry of Finance, setting the stage for a transformative year in governance and public participation.
Emmanuel Turay, MoICE’s Director of Communications, defended the budget request, emphasizing its role in empowering citizens and fostering public trust. “This budget transcends mere figures; it aims to transform Sierra Leone into a nation where citizens are informed and actively participate in shaping their future,” Turay stated. He highlighted that the proposed allocations are aligned with the government’s Big 5 Agenda, ensuring that initiatives reach every corner of the country.
The budget breakdown reveals a strong emphasis on policy development, civic education, and institutional capacity building:
- Office of the Permanent Secretary: NLE 18.3 million
- Office of the Chief Director: NLE 2.35 million
- Government Information Services: NLE 9.42 million
- Planning, Research, Monitoring & Evaluation: NLE 3.88 million
- Civic Education and Engagements: NLE 20.1 million
- Records and Archives: NLE 5.01 million
- Daily Mail Newspaper: NLE 3.61 million
- Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA): NLE 17.5 million
- Outreach and Coordination: NLE 12.05 million
Each allocation is designed to support broader national priorities, including media independence and public access to information.
Despite exceeding the budget ceiling, MoICE has outlined diverse revenue-generation strategies to support its initiatives, including:
- International Media Accreditation Processing Fees
- Grants and Support from Development Partners
- Revenue from SLBC through Advertising and Sponsorships
- SLENA Income from MDAs and Corporate Partnerships
Turay emphasized these efforts as part of MoICE’s commitment to financial sustainability and reducing reliance on government funding. “We collaborate with development partners and media organizations to generate our own resources and deliver impactful results,” he noted.
The Ministry also highlighted significant achievements from 2025 that pave the way for its 2026 objectives, such as:
- Finalizing the National Information Policy, Film Policy, and Data Protection Bill
- Securing Cabinet approval for the National Archives and Records Management Policy
- Establishing partnerships with international bodies like UNDP and UNESCO to enhance civic education
Looking ahead, Turay outlined key deliverables aimed at deepening public awareness of government programs and the Big 5 Agenda by 2028, upgrading information systems, and boosting democratic participation.
In closing, Turay called on civil society, media, and all Sierra Leoneans to support MoICE’s mission. “Transparency, civic pride, and national unity must drive our collective progress,” he asserted.
The proposed budget will now undergo parliamentary review, where lawmakers will assess its alignment with national fiscal priorities. The approval of the budget, which exceeds the ceiling by NLE 11.2 million, may depend on its perceived impact on governance and public trust.
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