Freetown: Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has taken a significant step towards strengthening its census operations by transferring five Toyota Land Cruisers to Regional Principal Statisticians across the country. The official handover ceremony took place at the organization’s headquarters on 1B King Street, Kona Lodge. This move aims to improve monitoring and coordination efforts in anticipation of the 2026 Population and Housing Census.

According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Statistician General Andrew Bob Johnny thanked President Julius Maada Bio and the national government for acquiring the vehicles amidst challenging global economic conditions. He emphasized President Bio’s commitment to decentralization and assured that the institution would continue to support its staff with resilience, thereby boosting work capacity, logistical support, and morale. Johnny also highlighted the importance of rural communities in achieving data-driven development in Sierra Leone and reaffirmed the commitment to an inclusive and transparent national headcount.

Moses Williams, the Council Chairman, urged the beneficiaries to take proper ownership of the vehicles, emphasizing their essential role in pre-census and post-enumeration operations. Meanwhile, National Census Coordinator Abdulai Salia Brima stressed that reliable transportation is crucial for successful population counting, particularly in rural areas. Brima expressed gratitude to the Council and the Statistician General for their efforts in securing government support to equip field teams.

In his vote of thanks, Amadu Sheriff, Principal Statistician for the Northern Region, commended the government and Stats SL management for distributing the vehicles across the five geographic divisions: Northern, North West, Southern, Eastern, and Western Area. Sheriff assured that the regional heads would ensure proper protection, proactive coordination, and efficient census facilitation with the new assets.