Security Institutions Present 2026 Budget Proposals to Finance Ministry
As part of ongoing preparations for Sierra Leone’s 2026 fiscal year, three of the country’s key security institutions the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS), the Ministry of Defence, and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP)
appeared before the Ministry of Finance to present their budgetary proposals. The submissions highlighted ambitious plans to strengthen national security, modernize infrastructure, and build more people-centred and professional forces in line with government’s development priorities.
During the hearings, each institution outlined its strategic vision and financial needs for the coming year, demonstrating a shared focus on improving efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and addressing pressing national security challenges.
Correctional Service Priorities
Commissioner Joseph John Senessie of the SLCS detailed a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing institutional gaps and advancing rehabilitation efforts. Among the highlights were:
Recruitment of 1,000 new correctional officers to bolster manpower.
Construction of new correctional centres in Kamakwie and Mongo Bendugu to ease congestion.
Completion of the New England administrative building and expansion blocks at the Moyamba Correctional Centre.
Development of officer accommodation facilities to improve staff welfare.
Acquisition of industrial equipment to facilitate mass food production for inmates, thereby reducing costs and generating revenue.
Introduction of an Integrated Prison Management System (IPMS) to improve efficiency, security, and accountability.
Commissioner Senessie stressed that these initiatives will not only enhance security within correctional facilities but also expand rehabilitation opportunities for inmates. The SLCS requested an indicative budget of NLe179,965,500 for FY2026.
Defence Ministry & RSLAF Plans
Lieutenant-General Amara I. Bangura, Chief of Defence Staff, reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s constitutional mandate to safeguard Sierra Leone’s sovereignty and ensure that the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) remain disciplined, professional, and combat-ready.
The Ministry’s priorities for 2026 include:
Recruitment and training of 1,500 new personnel.
Acquisition of advanced technologies such as drones, computer communication systems, command modules, and Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities.
Ongoing refurbishment of four military barracks and other facilities nationwide.
Lt. Gen. Bangura stressed that improved infrastructure will not only strengthen operational readiness but also raise morale, reduce medical costs, and promote the overall welfare of service personnel. The Ministry of Defence submitted a budget estimate of NLe412,000 for the 2026 fiscal year.
Police Service Proposals
Representing the Sierra Leone Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Allieu Turay outlined a set of reforms designed to modernize operations and build a more efficient force. Key proposals include:
Recruitment of 1,000 new police officers to improve nationwide coverage.
Revamping the Police Garment Factory to boost local production of uniforms.
Procurement of operational uniforms and equipment.
Renovation and modernization of Police Headquarters and other facilities across the country.
ACP Turay emphasized the Police’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and citizen-focused service delivery. The SLP’s budget submission stood at NLe576,534.3, including recurrent expenditure of NLe364,584.7 and revenue projections of NLe2,943,755 for 2026.
Conclusion
The budget submissions from the SLCS, Ministry of Defence, and Sierra Leone Police collectively underscore the Government’s prioritization of national security, institutional reforms, and human capital investment as critical drivers of peace, stability, and long-term development. With the proposed interventions, these institutions aim to not only strengthen operational capacity but also build trust with the public as Sierra Leone advances toward a more secure and prosperous future.
