By Saidu Jalloh, D.S
FREETOWN — The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has requested NLe7.59 billion for the 2027 financial year to recruit and train 1,800 personnel including 300 specialists, enlist 500 border guards, and strengthen border security, maritime and air surveillance, cybersecurity and military infrastructure.
The Ministry presented its budget during the ongoing Bilateral Budget Hearings on Monday, September 28, 2026, seeking NLe1.29 billion for recurrent expenditure and NLe6.30 billion for Public Investment Programmes (PIPs).
Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, said the country’s Defence Policy and Strategy guides efforts to protect Sierra Leone’s sovereignty, maintain national stability, support development and uphold democratic governance. He said the Ministry’s strategic vision extends beyond 2035 and places emphasis on developing a professional and capable force that can respond to emerging national, regional and global security challenges.
The Ministry’s defence approach covers border security, counter-terrorism, emergency response, maritime security, air power and cybersecurity. The military also intends to continue contributing to national development through agriculture, civil construction and engineering, healthcare, peace missions and the garment factory.
Among its major priorities for 2027, the Ministry plans to operationalise C5ISTAR and cybersecurity capabilities, construct and refurbish military barracks, establish Level III healthcare services, provide professional military training for 30 percent of personnel and equip and provide accommodation for the Commando Regiment.
The Ministry also outlined broader objectives of strengthening Sierra Leone’s ability to deter and respond to threats such as terrorism and subversion, protecting the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone and marine resources, maintaining air surveillance and intelligence, and strengthening the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces’ contribution to regional peace and security.
Giving an update on 2026 activities, the Ministry reported ongoing recruitment and training of 1,624 personnel, of whom 1,452 are currently undergoing training. However, the planned recruitment of 500 border guards remains outstanding. Other areas not achieved during the period include establishing the Tri-Service structure, constructing and refurbishing barracks and developing Level III hospital capability.
The Ministry reported that its 2026 budget request was NLe1.7359 billion, compared with an approved budget of NLe286.9 million. Actual disbursements between January and September 2026 amounted to NLe533 million.
Deputy Minister of Defence, Colonel (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi, described the bilateral budget hearing as an important exercise for national accountability and due diligence.
The Defence session was facilitated by Deputy Director of Budget Jacob Tenga Sessie and Deputy Director of Fiscal Decentralisation Ibrahim Bureh. Sessie said the process is conducted in accordance with Sierra Leone’s laws and public financial management requirements, with emphasis on accountability for resources allocated and used.
Major expenditure drivers include NLe114.69 million for rice, NLe105.28 million for fuel, NLe63.46 million for ration cash allowance and running costs, NLe40.64 million for recruitment and training, NLe58.70 million for uniforms and NLe50.69 million for vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MoPAPA) presented a NLe15.553 million funding requirement for 2027, against a budget ceiling of NLe5.8773 million. This leaves an excess requirement of approximately NLe9.6757 million.
The hearing was anchored by Deputy Director of Budget Illara Mahdi, in line with Section 31(1) of the Public Financial Management Act. MoPAPA said its programmes aim to promote an efficient, inclusive and accountable public service while strengthening democratic governance.
Among its proposed activities is the commemoration of the United Nations World Public Service Day costing NLe5.031 million, NLe2.508 million for a National Executive Master Class on Public Service Culture Transformation, NLe2.030 million for developing and reviewing human resource management tools, NLe2.062 million for strategic engagements on democratic and political governance, while administrative expenses are estimated at NLe3.922 million.
For 2026, MoPAPA reported an approved budget of NLe5.068 million, of which NLe2.0272 million had been received during the first half of the year, representing 40 percent. The Ministry reported NLe3.0408 million as unallocated.
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