Freetown, 27th November 2025 – Sierra Leone has taken a bold step toward tackling its housing deficit with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning and the Ministry of Defence.
The agreement, signed at the Ministry of Lands Conference Room and presided over by Senior Permanent Secretary Abdul R.M. Fofanah, sets out a framework for joint action to expand housing development, secure state lands, and accelerate national growth.
The MOU outlines four key priorities including: Estate Development: The military will embark on building housing estates to boost the national housing stock. New City Creation: Plans are underway to involve the military in developing new cities to decongest Freetown and other urban centers, using available state land.
Revenue Generation: The collaboration is expected to generate additional income to support both ministries and the wider public good and Land Security: The Defence Ministry will work closely with Lands to protect state land from illegal encroachment and fraudulent activities.
In a firm message, Lands Minister Dr. Turad Senesie warned land grabbers that their “era of fraud” is over. “Any institutions collaborating with land grabbers are doing a disservice to Sierra Leone, and this will not be tolerated under our watch,” he declared.
The Chief of Defence Staff pledged the military’s full support, stressing that while their primary duty is to safeguard peace during conflict, they are equally committed to contributing to development in times of stability. He confirmed that the military will now actively embark on estate development projects.
