Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh today held a meeting following a directive from Ecowas on Aeronautical Charges and Aviation Security Harmonisation
The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry Transport and Aviation, Ministry of Finance, National Revenue Authority, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Patrolium Regulatory Agency and the Director General of Civil Aviation.
During the meeting, the Minister of Transport and Aviation provided a detailed briefing on the ECOWAS communiqué signed by Heads of State and Government. He explained that although the communiqué is expected to take effect from 1 January, all member states are required to formally ratify it by 31 December 2026. He noted that this transitional period provides an opportunity for member states to complete ratification while simultaneously commencing the phased implementation of its provisions, particularly those related to aeronautical charges and aviation security standards.
The Minister highlighted that the directive emerged from extensive deliberations among ECOWAS Ministers responsible for Transport and Aviation, who identified the persistently high cost of air travel within and into the West African sub-region as a major constraint to regional integration, trade, tourism, and investment. Excessive and inconsistent taxes, fees, and charges across member states were noted to undermine competitiveness, prompting ECOWAS to resolve on reducing and harmonising charges to create a more predictable, affordable, and efficient aviation environment.
As a member state of ECOWAS and the current Chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, Sierra Leone was noted to have a heightened responsibility to demonstrate leadership by aligning national policies with regional commitments. Effective compliance, participants noted, will reinforce the country’s credibility at the regional level and support collective implementation across the sub-region.
The meeting also examined key challenges within the national aviation sector. Minister Fanday Turay raised concerns regarding aviation security fees, currently estimated at approximately US$25, as well as security service charges linked to community and concession arrangements. These issues were recognised as having implications for airline operating costs, passenger affordability, and the overall sustainability of the sector.
In his remarks, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh emphasised that the purpose of the meeting was to ensure whole-of-government coordination in responding to the ECOWAS directive. He underscored the need for close inter-ministerial collaboration to review existing charges, assess fiscal and security implications, and propose reforms that are evidence-based, transparent, and aligned with ECOWAS standards.
Chief Minister Dr. Sengeh reaffirmed Government’s commitment to fully implementing the ECOWAS directive, noting that harmonising aeronautical charges and aviation security measures is essential to reducing the cost of air travel, improving regional connectivity, and strengthening Sierra Leone’s aviation sector.
The meeting underscored Government’s commitment to aligning the ECOWAS directive with Sierra Leone’s National Development Plan, with participants noting that the reforms will support economic diversification, trade and tourism, private sector growth, and improved public sector efficiency, thereby contributing to effective delivery of national development priorities.