The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration has engaged the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security to strengthen collaboration towards incorporating the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, into Sierra Leone’s national laws.
During the meeting, Deputy Executive Director of the Maritime Administration, Mr. Emmanuel B.A. Lansana, outlined ongoing efforts to review the institution’s legal framework and strengthen maritime governance in line with modern practices.
He also highlighted reforms under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2026, which was passed by Parliament in June and received presidential assent on September 3, 2026. The Act incorporates provisions from key international maritime conventions, including aspects of the MLC, while supporting regulations are being developed.
Mr. Lansana explained that the Convention seeks to protect seafarers’ welfare, working conditions and rights. He expressed the Administration’s commitment to working with the Ministry and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to develop a dedicated MLC Act to ensure the Convention is fully incorporated into domestic law.
Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mr. Umaru Napoleon Koroma, welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed his Ministry’s willingness to support the process.
He proposed the establishment of a joint committee comprising representatives from the Ministry, the Maritime Administration and other relevant institutions to coordinate the work and develop a clear implementation plan.
Both institutions agreed to share the proposed concept note, consult technical experts and schedule a follow-up meeting to advance the process ahead of ILO engagements scheduled for June 2027.
