By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a bid to strengthen collaboration and improve road safety across Sierra Leone, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), Mr. James Baggie Bio, Monday, 28th July 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Internal Affairs, AIG (Rtd.) Morie Lengor, Esq. The high-level engagement focused on strategic coordination to enhance both citizen safety and national security.
During the meeting, Mr. Bio presented a comprehensive overview of the road safety and security challenges confronting SLRSA. 
Chief among the concerns was the increasing threat of stolen vehicles being registered in the national database, which he stressed poses a significant risk to public safety and national security. He outlined key initiatives undertaken by the Authority to block the registration and licensing of such vehicles through improved tracking and verification mechanisms.
Mr. Bio further highlighted the operational constraints faced by Road Safety Corps personnel in the field, especially in situations requiring police support for effective enforcement. He appealed for stronger institutional collaboration to ensure synergy and mutual respect between the SLRSA and law enforcement agencies. According to him, a unified approach is essential to enforce road safety laws and maintain order across the country’s transportation network.
In response, the Minister of Internal Affairs, AIG (Rtd.) Morie Lengor Esq., warmly welcomed the SLRSA delegation and commended Mr. Bio for his proactive leadership. He described the visit as timely and relevant, especially given the growing complexity of internal security challenges both at the national and international levels.
Minister Lengor acknowledged the gravity of the issues raised, particularly the risks associated with vehicle theft and weak coordination between enforcement bodies.
He expressed strong support for the SLRSA’s efforts to block the registration of stolen vehicles, noting that such measures are crucial to enhancing national security and protecting the lives and property of Sierra Leoneans.
Addressing broader road safety concerns, the Minister cited the dangers posed by overloaded container trucks and the generally poor roadworthiness of many vehicles on Sierra Leone’s roads. He emphasized the urgent need for stricter enforcement of roadworthiness standards and better regulation of high-risk vehicles to prevent accidents and loss of life.
As part of the way forward, AIG (Rtd.) Lengor pledged to initiate stakeholder engagement meetings involving key institutions in the transport and security sectors. These engagements, he said, would aim to build consensus and strengthen collaborative frameworks for effective road safety and security management.
The Minister also urged the SLRSA to embrace modern technology in its operations, particularly for vehicle monitoring, traffic data collection, and digital enforcement. He highlighted the potential of digital tools to transform the country’s road transport system, making it safer, more efficient, and better aligned with international best practices.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties committing to continued dialogue and cooperation. They agreed that enhancing road safety and national security requires a united front, and pledged to work closely in developing joint strategies that prioritize the safety, order, and well-being of all Sierra Leoneans.
The partnership signals a renewed commitment to tackling the challenges of road safety and security through institutional cooperation, innovation, and shared responsibility.
