The Sierra Maritime Administration has engaged the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security to strengthen collaboration towards the domestication of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, into national law.

During the meeting, Mr. Emmanuel B.A Lansana, Deputy Executive Director, Sierra Leone Martime Administration, highlighted ongoing efforts to review its legal framework, established under the 2000 Act, and transform the institution into an authority in line with modern maritime governance practices.

He also outlined recent reforms to the Merchant Shipping Act, 2026, which was passed by Parliament in June and received presidential assent on 3 September 2026. The revised legislation incorporates provisions from key international maritime conventions, including aspects of the MLC, while work continues on the supporting regulations.

Furthermore, he explained that the MLC addresses the welfare, working conditions and rights of seafarers. He expressed commitment to working with the Ministry and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to develop a dedicated MLC Act, ensuring the Convention is fully incorporated into Sierra Leone’s domestic legal framework.

The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security Mr. Umaru Napoleon Koroma, welcomed the initiative, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s willingness to support the process, stressing the importance of collaboration in strengthening labour standards and protecting workers’ welfare.

The Minister proposed the establishment of a joint committee comprising representatives from the Ministry, the Sierra Maritime Administration and relevant institutions to coordinate the process and develop a clear implementation plan.

Both parties agreed to share the proposed concept note, engage relevant technical experts and schedule a follow-up meeting to advance the initiative ahead of the ILO engagements scheduled for June 2027.

Communications Unit
MELSS