About the National Land Commission
Building a transparent, inclusive, and technology-driven land administration system for Sierra Leone
Background and Establishment
The National Land Commission (NLC) of Sierra Leone was established by the National Land Commission Act, 2022 (Act No. 19 of 2022) as the central statutory authority for land governance and administration in Sierra Leone. This landmark legislation, along with the Customary Land Rights Act, 2022, ushered in a new era of comprehensive land reform aimed at addressing decades of land governance challenges.
Historical Context of Land Reform
National Land Policy (NLP) 2015
Established the policy foundation for equitable, transparent, and sustainable land governance, recommending institutional reforms.
Twin Land Laws Enacted
Passage of the National Land Commission Act and Customary Land Rights Act, providing the legal framework for comprehensive land administration reform.
NLC Establishment
Official establishment of the National Land Commission as the central coordinating body for land governance nationwide.
Operationalization Phase
Commissioning of Board and Secretariat, development of corporate strategy, and initial capacity building.
Our Vision
"A Sierra Leone that thrives in transparent, inclusive, and technology-driven land governance system that secures rights, resolves disputes, and promotes sustainable national development."
Our Mission
"To provide accountable, professional, and people-centered land governance services through effective administration, digital transformation, institutional capacity building, and collaborative partnerships."
Our Core Values
The foundational principles that guide our work and decision-making
Integrity & Accountability
We uphold the highest ethical standards in managing land resources. Decisions are guided by honesty, fairness, and responsibility.
Inclusiveness & Equity
We ensure land governance processes respect and protect the rights of all, particularly women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
Transparency & Rule of Law
We commit to open and predictable processes grounded in the Constitution, the NLCA 2022, and the CLRA 2022.
Efficiency & Innovation
We deliver timely, reliable, and cost-effective land services, using modern technology and innovative approaches.
Sustainability & Stewardship
We recognize land as a finite and irreplaceable resource, balancing development needs with conservation imperatives.
Collaborative Partnership
We work with government, civil society, and private sector to achieve inclusive and sustainable land governance.
Organizational Structure
The NLC operates as a centralized authority with decentralized operations across Sierra Leone
Board of Directors
Supreme Policy & Oversight Body
Composition & Functions
- ✓Multi-stakeholder representation from government, civil society, traditional authorities, and professional institutions
- ✓Approves policies and budgets ensuring strategic alignment with national development goals
- ✓Ensures accountability & transparency through regular oversight and monitoring
Board Chairman
Dr. Philip M. Mornya
Provides strategic direction and ensures the Commission fulfills its mandate in accordance with the National Land Commission Act, 2022.
Our Board Members
The National Land Commission Board comprises distinguished professionals and representatives from diverse sectors including law, land administration, gender equity, finance, and community development. Appointed in accordance with the National Land Commission Act (2022), our Board members bring a wealth of experience and commitment to transforming land governance in Sierra Leone.
Secretariat
Executive Management & Core Departments
Executive Management
Commissioner-General
Abu Bakarr Foray Musa
Key functions
- • Overall leadership and strategic direction
- • Implementation of Board policies and decisions
- • Resource mobilization and management
- • Stakeholder engagement and representation
- • Performance oversight of all departments
Deputy Commissioner-General
Ms. Susan Mamatorma Rogers
Key functions
- • Serves as the principal assistant to the Commissioner-General
- • Supports the Commissioner-General for the effective monitoring and oversight of the District Land Commissions
- • Support the monitoring of staff compliance with workplace regulations and related frameworks, as assigned
Core Departments
Legal Department
- •Legal advice & opinions
- •Dispute resolution oversight
- •Judiciary relations
Cadastre Index Mapping
- •Surveys & mapping
- •GIS systems
- •Quality control
Title Registration
- •National land registry
- •Systematic registration
- •Record integration
Administration
- •HR, procurement, logistics
- •Finance & ICT
- •LMIS maintenance
Corporate Communication
- •Awareness campaigns
- •Public education
- •Media coordination
M&E Department
- •Monitoring & evaluation
- •Accountability
- •Evidence-based policy
Decentralized Structures
Implementation at District, Chiefdom, and Village Levels
District Land Commissions
Section 32 of NLCA, 2022
Established in 5 Districts across Sierra Leone to implement NLC functions at district level.
- • Provide technical support to Chiefdom and other land committees in the management and administration of customary land in the respective districts
- • Coordinate and oversee the work of the Chiefdom Land Committees
- • Set up and maintain a customary land title registry for the district which shall contain records of rights held by communities, families and individuals to land in the district and records of land transactions in the district
- • Supervise para-surveyors and specialist paralegals in the district or accredit persons wishing to operate as para-surveyors or specialist paralegals
- • Coordinate, Monitor and report on land-related activities in the district
- • Perform any other functions assigned to it by the National Land Commission
Chiefdom Land Committees
CLRA 2022 - Customary Land Governance
Anchored in the Customary Land Rights Act, managing customary land governance at chiefdom level with focus on gender equity.
- • Manage communal chiefdom lands in the chiefdom
- • Enforce rules for the sustainable use of natural resources, such as forests, grazing lands, rivers and swamps within the chiefdom
- • Obtain and maintain a facsimile of registered customary land rights for land in the chiefdom from the District Title Registry
- • Prior to the registration of title, adjudicate land title disputes at chiefdom level through the Land Adjudication Tribunal established under Section 85 of the NLC Act 2022
- • Coordinate with the District Land Commission for effectiveness in service delivery
- • Levy and facilitate collection of, and manage all land tax revenues levied by chiefdom authorities
- • Perform such other functions as the Commission may determine
Town/Village Area Land Committees
CLRA 2022 - Grassroots Land Governance
Established at the village level to ensure community participation in land governance, serving as the primary point of contact for citizens at the grassroots level.
- • Manage communal lands in the town or village on behalf of the community
- • Enforce rules adopted by the town or village for the sustainable use of land and natural resources
- • Act as entry point for grievances and dispute prevention
- • Raise awareness about land rights within communities
- • Facilitate community participation in land governance
- • Resolve land tenure disputes arising within the community
- • Perform any other function assigned by the Commission
Learn More About Our Work
Explore our mandate, services, and ongoing initiatives to transform land governance in Sierra Leone.