The Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) held a successful and productive meeting with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the UNDP Hall, Freetown. The meeting was convened to present SLID’s Strategic Plan of Action and submit a proposal for funding, technical collaboration, and partnership to implement the 2026–2030 strategic plan.
In his opening statement, the Chief Immigration Officer, Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio Esq., disclosed that SLID conducted a public perception survey, which helped to inform its decision-making. The findings revealed that the public largely lacked trust in SLID staff and services, primarily due to corruption and unprofessionalism. He emphasized that restoring public trust is central to the Department’s reform agenda.
During a detailed PowerPoint presentation, the CIO outlined the strategic plan around four thematic areas:
- Service Excellence & Process Re-engineering
- Integrity & Ethics
- Digitalization
- Regimental Transformation
CIO Tiffa identified several operational challenges affecting border security and proposed concrete areas for collaboration. The CIO further stated that SLID is currently reviewing its legislation and noted a critical gap: “There is no proper state authority charged with the legislative mandate of border governance and security. That is why SLID is asking that our new legislation charge us with sole responsibility for border management and security. All other agencies are support actors in achieving this goal because Immigration is the gatekeeper responsible for the migration of individuals across the nation.”
Dr. Baio, Esq., also affirmed SLID’s commitment to aligning with the national security architecture, with a priority focus on border security. He observed that neighboring Mano River Union countries are experiencing similar challenges, creating opportunities for regional cooperation.
“We want to transform SLID into a trusted, professional, and digitally driven service. We will appreciate UNDP’s support in Border Management & Security and Mobility to deliver effectively at our porous borders,” the CIO added.
UNDP representatives commended SLID for the clarity of the plan and agreed to deepen engagement on priority areas of mutual interest.