We have closely followed the public statement issued by the authorities/Government indicating that all passengers departing and arriving at the Freetown International Airport with effect from 1st July, 2022 are required to pay a security fee of US$25 to enable authorities ensure safety of passengers at the Airport and the country through a cut edge and globally recognized border control technology tools and equipment with automated/integrated capabilities.
It would be recalled that the Sierra Leone Government has over the years been subsidizing the payment of this security fee of $40 for arriving and departing passengers from Freetown International Airport.
A comparative study of Airport security fees for same services in many countries where Securiport is operating around the world shows that it is a standardย fee that is paid in all the international airports as part of a network that links Sierra Leone with other countries, especially when it comes to fighting terrorism and international crime to ensure the safety and at the same time protect the country from the infiltration of terrorists and criminals who may attempt to sneak into the country.
It should be noted that in 2013, during the high alert terrorist threat in Sierra Leone for participating in peace missions, the Government of Sierra Leone contracted a global brand border security agency called Securiport to provide security for the Freetown International Airport and the upgrading of immigration services. It was followed by a cabinet conclusion and procurement process for which a levy security fee of $40 per arriving and departing passengers was charged at no cost to the Government rather to place on the ticket as done in other countries.
Under the past APC Government the security fee was not placed on the ticket and the Government decided to pay for the services accruing to millions of US dollars in debt to Securiport.
After the 2018 elections, the Bio led government studied the Securiport contract and became overwhelmed with its satisfactory performance and paid most of the arrears left behind by the past government. But, being that subsidization should not be seen applicable in every area of human activity and for the fact that this particular subsidy is a pro-rich dogma which is not cost effective to any government, especially when travelers could afford travelling feesย as part of their voyage plans, it is but justifiable that the burden is shifted fromย government toย passengers which is in line with best practice across the globe.
It should be noted that the Bio led government did not only solve the arrears problem but negotiated the fee for the payment of $25 either way from $40 which government was subsidizing so as to effect best practice which is plausible and justifiable.
Evidently, our investigations have shown that Securiport is a world leader with proven track record and itsย presence in the USA, UK, Europe, South America, Asia, Africa including South Sudan, Mali, Ivory Coast, Senegal among others makes its services worthy for the payment of itsย fees.
On this note, it is glaring that border security is necessary to be improved to combat new threats as they arise for the safety of passengers boarding airplanes.
