Freetown: The Ministry of Internal Affairs convened its rotating inter-agency meeting at Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) to enhance operational delivery and security sector collaboration.

According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the meeting was chaired by Minister of Internal Affairs AIG Rtd. Morie Lengor, Esq., who commenced his address by commending agency heads for their commitment and collective synergy in driving their mandates. He motivated the team, promising to leverage oversight policy and political will to drive transformation for the Ministry's agencies and departments, elevating performance. He urged sustained collaboration, emphasizing dedicated teamwork and diligent efforts to resolve security issues. He implored the execution of duty with utmost care and professional integrity.

Minister Lengor Esq announced engagement with Sierra Leone Police across the Western Area and other regions, mapping a proactive security strategy. He noted that criminality typically increases during the rainy season, as criminals use heavy rain to target vulnerable sleeping households.

Delivering welcoming remarks, SLCS Director General Mr. Joseph J. Senesie, representing the host agency, thanked management and staff for attending, expressing pleasure at hosting the meeting. Briefing SLCS operations, he discussed upcoming efforts to relieve overcrowding at Pademba Road Correctional Facility. The Government and the Ministry of Works and Public Asset are advancing plans to build a new state-of-the-art facility to house inmates.

Chief Immigration Officer, Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio Esq briefed attendees on the progress of the online passport application system. Since taking office over one year ago, Dr. Baio Esq has driven significant transformation at SLID, notably introducing a seamless online passport application system. He explained SLID's fully digitized passport acquisition process, allowing citizens to apply easily. The modern process allows users to apply online from anywhere, book a biometric appointment at a chosen location, and designate any SLID office for passport collection or pickup.

Other agency heads provided updates, outlining key achievements, ongoing challenges, and strategic improvement areas.