Freetown, September 23, 2026 (SLENA)-The Ministry of Finance convened bilateral budget hearings Wednesday, where three frontline institutions unveiled ambitious funding blueprints poised to fortify the nation’s social protection architecture and environmental stewardship for fiscal year 2027.
The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), and Ministry of Environment and Climate Change presented strategic priorities and funding requirements during the ongoing Bilateral Budget Hearings—a rigorous accountability exercise mandated under the Public Financial Management Act 2016.
NSPA and NaCSA sessions were led by Deputy Minister of Finance I and Acting Minister of Finance Madam Kadiatu Allie, alongside Deputy Director of Budget Jacob Tenga Sessie. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change session was facilitated by Deputy Minister of Finance II Isata Marah and Deputy Director of Budget Dr. Illara Mahdi. Deputy Financial Secretary (Administration) Mamie Miatta Kallon and other key stakeholders graced the deliberations.
Opening the NSPA and NaCSA session, Deputy Director Jacob T. Sessie noted that hearings fulfill statutory requirements, serving as a vital accountability mechanism. Madam Kadiatu Allie emphasised that these agencies represent the government service delivery front line for vulnerable communities, urging innovative approaches and measurable FY2027 impacts.
National Social Protection Agency (NSPA): The agency requested NLe187,825,410 for FY2027, including NLe4.94 million for administration, NLe12.81 million for program coordination, NLe155.31 million for the Digital Social Protection Registry (Reform Measure 5), and NLe14.78 million for expanding coverage to 100,000 climate-vulnerable households (Reform Measure 6). Key priorities include publicising the NSPA Act 2025, updating national strategies, establishing a National Social Registry linked to the National Identification Number, and setting up a dedicated call centre.
National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA): NaCSA highlighted project implementation performance, reporting total donor commitments of US$171.44 million, with 87% ($153.21 million) disbursed. Government contributions totalled SLe537.95 million, with 23% received. For FY2027, NaCSA aims to deliver emergency cash transfers to 30,000 beneficiaries, provide temporary employment for 22,000 youths, build 50 social infrastructure projects, and rehabilitate 23.57 kilometres of feeder roads in Bonthe and Moyamba.
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change: The Ministry proposed NLe22,932,560 for recurrent FY2027 activities. Allocations include NLe10.59 million for administration, NLe9.58 million for sustainable forestry management, and funding for environmental quality control, research, and emergency management. Deputy Minister of Environment Soba Steven stressed the critical need for sustained environmental attention, expressing optimism regarding budget approval.
Bilateral Budget Hearings provided a platform for institutions to outline implementation challenges, financial status, and strategic FY2027 deliverables. Discussions centred on aligning public expenditures with national development goals and ensuring optimal resource allocation.
Credit: MoF Communications
