Makeni, Sierra Leone – The Native Consortium on Friday, 20th February 2026, held a stakeholder engagement at the North-East Regional Office of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) in Makeni to popularise the decentralisation of driver’s and vehicle licensing services across the region.
The engagement brought together representatives from the Motor Drivers Union, Bike Riders Union, Tricycle Riders Union, and other key stakeholders to discuss the benefits and implementation of the newly decentralised system.
The decentralisation initiative is designed to make licensing services more accessible, efficient, and convenient for residents in Kono, Magburaka (Tonkolili District), Kabala (Koinadugu District), Falaba, and Karene, without requiring them to travel to Makeni.
Speaking at the event, Superintendent Route Commander Titus A.G. Sesay, Head of Station at SLRSA Makeni, assured participants that the system would significantly reduce delays and logistical challenges.
“You do not need to come to the Makeni office for your licence,” he explained. “Applicants can visit any of our district offices, complete the required forms and tests, and their details will be transmitted to the regional office for processing.”
He further disclosed that applicants in Makeni will receive their licences within 24 hours, those in nearby districts within 48 hours, and those in other covered districts within 72 hours after the necessary verification processes are completed.
According to Sesay, the reform will particularly ease the burden on residents in hard-to-reach districts such as Falaba, who previously had to undertake long and costly journeys to access licensing services.
In his address, Edmond Abu Jr., Executive Director of Native Consortium, commended the government for implementing what he described as a long-overdue reform.
“This advocacy has lasted for over two decades, dating back to the days of the late President Kabbah,” he said, noting that decentralisation of driver’s and vehicle licences has been a persistent public concern.
Abu emphasised that the Consortium’s role is to advance public interest rather than engage in political confrontation.
“Our popularisation effort complements the government’s decentralisation drive. This is a laudable development that deserves public support,” he stated.
Assurances were also given by Autospect, the company contracted to produce vehicle licences, through its representative Abdul Karim Bah, who reiterated the company’s commitment to timely production and delivery under the new decentralised framework.
Union leaders welcomed the initiative, describing it as a relief to their members who have long suffered from delays associated with the previously centralised system.
Ishmail Dumbuya, Public Relations Officer of the Makeni Bike Riders Union, expressed optimism that the reform would end what he termed years of victimisation.
“Our members were often harassed and even robbed, despite having paid for their licences and waiting for them to be issued,” he said, adding that the union is now working closely with the new administration to ensure that all its members obtain valid licences.
Similarly, Abdul Rahman Kamara, Bombali District and Regional Secretary of the Motor Drivers Union, praised the decentralisation initiative and appealed for the eventual introduction of a digital application system to further streamline the process.
Stakeholders described the decentralisation of driver’s and vehicle licensing as a major step toward improving public service delivery in the North-East Region. By reducing travel time, cutting associated costs, and speeding up processing periods, the initiative is expected to enhance compliance and strengthen road safety administration across the covered districts.
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