By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a major stride toward decentralizing licensing services and improving road user access across Sierra Leone, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Mr. Rex Bhonafa, has officially launched the first Mobile Licensing Vehicle (MLV) under the management of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA). The unveiling ceremony took place at the Youyi Building in Freetown, drawing a cross-section of transport stakeholders, government representatives, and union leaders.
The innovative mobile unit is designed to address long-standing concerns over limited access to vehicle registration and licensing services—especially for communities in rural or underserved parts of the country.
Delivering welcome remarks, the Deputy Executive Director of SLRSA, Mr. Josie Abraham Scott Manga, said the mobile licensing station represents a “transformative moment” in the Authority’s drive to expand public service delivery.
“This vehicle is not just a tool—it is a promise. A promise that no matter where you live in Sierra Leone, your right to access efficient and timely vehicle licensing services will be respected,” he stated. “We recognize the everyday struggles people face traveling long distances just to complete basic licensing tasks. The Mobile Licensing Vehicle helps close that gap.”
The Executive Director of SLRSA, Mr. James Baggie Bio, said the launch is a direct response to stakeholder feedback received over the years, pointing to difficulties that drivers, commercial operators, and vehicle owners have faced in accessing licensing services.
“This mobile unit will operate in different locations on a rotating basis,” Mr. Bio explained. “It is part of our broader strategy to make SLRSA a service-oriented institution. In addition to this vehicle, we’ve recently opened a new licensing station in Jui, and another will soon be operational at Milton Margai to cater to residents of Goderich and nearby areas.”
He also announced that a second MLV, dedicated to issuing driver’s licenses, is currently under preparation and will be launched in the coming weeks. With both vehicles in operation, Mr. Bio said SLRSA will be on course to achieve full decentralization of licensing operations across the country.
In his keynote address, Deputy Minister Rex Bhonafa lauded the initiative as a key component of President Julius Maada Bio’s broader governance agenda of improving public service delivery through innovation and inclusion.
“This is not merely a vehicle—it is an extension of the government’s commitment to taking essential services to the doorsteps of the people,” said Mr. Bhonafa. “We are particularly proud that Sierra Leone has now ratified the African Road Safety Charter, which lays the groundwork for safer roads, standardized practices, and broader international cooperation on transport issues.”
Representing commercial drivers and transport unions, Mr. Momodu Koroma, Vice President of the Drivers’ Union, praised the SLRSA for taking a participatory approach to reform.
“Too often, transport authorities make decisions without consulting those of us on the ground. But under this current leadership, we’ve seen regular dialogue and action,” he noted. “We welcome this mobile unit and hope it leads to even greater outreach.”
The launch was also applauded by representatives of the Keke Riders’ Union and Bike Riders’ Union, both of whom described the mobile vehicle as “a game changer” for their members who often face difficulties traveling to central offices for renewals.
The event concluded with a demonstration of the mobile station’s capabilities and a call for transport operators across Sierra Leone to take full advantage of the mobile licensing services as they roll out in the weeks ahead.
