By Ragan M. Conteh

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Sierra Leone’s Parliament, chaired by Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, has raised serious concerns regarding the operations of Securiport—a company contracted for the issuance of eVisas and provision of airport security services.

The Committee is demanding answers over revenue inconsistencies, lack of transparency, and, most significantly, the absence of parliamentary ratification for key contracts.

During a heated session, the PAC challenged the Chief Immigration Officer and representatives of Securiport to provide evidence of a valid ratified contract that authorized them to collect revenue on behalf of the government.

According to the auditors, the Immigration Department failed to maintain detailed records and could not reconcile the number of eVisas issued against payments made into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

“Control surrounding the issuance of eVisas was completely lacking,” said Hon. Tawa. “Immigration did not provide independent figures on how many visas were issued, making it extremely challenging to verify revenue claims.”

Securiport reportedly deposited Le7,437,387 into the Consolidated Fund, yet no bank statements or cash books were submitted to confirm these payments, leaving the issue unresolved.

The company’s general manager admitted to possessing only an addendum to a contract dating back to 2012 but failed to produce the original agreement or proof of parliamentary ratification.

“That’s an oversight on my part,” he admitted. “But I’ll make it available as soon as possible.”

Chairman Tawa Conteh stressed that under Section 40 of the Constitution, any agreement entered into by the executive must be ratified by Parliament to become valid.

“Even the President, the most powerful man in the country, cannot make treaties or agreements binding without Parliament’s seal,” he reminded the committee.

He added that while the audit report remains a public document, the absence of a ratified Securiport agreement leaves Parliament with no choice but to consider suspending the execution of Securiport’s contract until legality is proven. He granted the company two weeks—ending May 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM—to provide the requested documentation.

Members of the Committee also questioned why immigration functions like eVisa issuance were outsourced when competent government staffs exist.

“This setup is robbing the government of its much-needed resources,” one MP stated.

“We are paying civil servants while outsourcing the very jobs they are trained and paid to do.”

Though Securiport’s role in national security was acknowledged, the Committee emphasized that such responsibilities must not override constitutional processes.

“We are not undermining your services,” said Chairman Tawa. “But we cannot compromise the integrity of Parliament.”

As the session wrapped up, both parties agreed to reconvene in two weeks, where Securiport is expected to present all required documents, including the certificate of ratification, to determine the legality of their operations.