Three key security institutions in Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS), the Ministry of Defence, and the Sierra Leone Police, have presented a combined budget request of over NLe 1 billion to the Ministry of Finance for the 2026 Fiscal Year, as part of ongoing national budget discussions.
The Sierra Leone Correctional Service is requesting NLe 179,965,500, outlining major plans including the recruitment of 1,000 correctional officers, construction of new Correctional Centres in Kamakwie and Mongo Bendugu, expansion at Moyamba, and the procurement of industrial food production equipment. Commissioner Joseph John Senessie also noted plans to implement an Integrated Prison Management System to enhance accountability and efficiency.
The Ministry of Defence and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) presented a budget estimate of NLe 412,000, with plans to recruit 1,500 personnel, upgrade infrastructure and barracks, improve medical care, and introduce technological enhancements such as drones, command modules, and ISTAR systems. Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Amara I. Bangura, emphasized a focus on professionalism and operational readiness.
The Sierra Leone Police submitted a budget proposal of NLe 576,534.3, with a recurrent expenditure of NLe 364,584.7 and a projected revenue of NLe 2,943,755. Assistant Commissioner of Police Allieu Turay outlined plans to recruit 1,000 new officers, modernize the Police Garment Factory, provide new operational uniforms, and upgrade police facilities.
All three institutions reiterated their commitment to building people-centred, accountable, and professional forces that ensure national security and public trust.
