Freetown, 14th November, 2025 – The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) on Thursday welcomed the British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone for a high-level familiarization visit focused on strengthening port security and operational collaboration.
The visit, led by SLPHA Director General Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio, brought together key stakeholders, including executives from Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL)/AGL and the Nectar Sierra Leone Bulk Terminal (NSBT). The concessionaires provided operational briefings and updates on ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and safety at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay.
A central theme of the discussions was the growing threat of drug trafficking through West African ports. Both the SLPHA and the British High Commission emphasized the urgent need to bolster security infrastructure and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to counter narcotics-related activities.
“The issue of drugs is a serious concern for Sierra Leone and the region,” Mr. Bio noted. “We welcome the UK’s continued partnership in helping us secure our maritime borders and protect our national interests.”
The British High Commissioner reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to improve port governance and security. “This visit is part of our broader engagement to ensure that Sierra Leone’s ports remain safe, transparent, and resilient against transnational threats,” the High Commissioner stated.
Following the meeting, the delegation toured key port installations, including NSBT and FTL terminals, gaining firsthand insight into current operations, cargo handling systems, and security protocols.
The visit underscored the deepening cooperation between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom, particularly in the areas of maritime security, trade facilitation, and institutional capacity-building.
