About the National Land Commission
Building a transparent, inclusive,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 in Sierra Leone
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."
Vision Priorities:
- Transparency: Ensuring all land transactions and decisions are open, accountable, and lawful
- Inclusiveness: Guaranteeing equitable access to land rights, especially for women, youth, and marginalized groups
- Technology-driven solutions: Modernizing land administration through digital transformation and geospatial innovations
Our Mission
"To provide accountable, professional, and people-centered land governance services through effective administration, digital transformation, institutional capacity building, and collaborative partnerships."
Mission Commitments:
- Deliver efficient, timely, and affordable land services
- Safeguard the rights of citizens, communities, and investors
- Strengthen land tenure security to support agriculture, housing, and industrial development
- Build partnerships with government, civil society, and private sector for sustainable land governance
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, ensuring that land is administered for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans.
Inclusiveness & Equity
We ensure that land governance processes respect and protect the rights of all, particularly women, youth, and vulnerable groups, leaving no one behind.
Transparency & Rule of Law
We commit to open and predictable processes grounded in the Constitution, the NLCA 2022, and the CLRA 2022. Stakeholders can trust that all actions are lawful, impartial, and subject to oversight.
Efficiency & Innovation
We deliver timely, reliable, and cost-effective land services, using modern technology and innovative approaches to improve productivity and responsiveness.
Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
We recognize land as a finite and irreplaceable resource. We balance development needs with conservation imperatives, ensuring that land use today does not compromise the well-being of future generations.
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
Leadership & Guidance
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. Together, they provide strategic oversight, ensure compliance with national laws, and guide the Commission's mission to create a transparent, inclusive, and efficient land administration system for all Sierra Leoneans.
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
- Operational management and supervision
- Technical oversight of core departments
- Coordination of district land commissions
- Quality assurance of land services
- Acting Commissioner-General when required
Core Departments
Legal Department
- Legal advice & opinions
- Dispute resolution oversight
- Manages relations with judiciary
Cadastre Index Mapping Dept
- Surveys & mapping
- GIS systems management
- Quality control of survey data
Title Registration Dept
- National land title registry
- Systematic registration
- Integration of land records
Administration Department
- HR, procurement, logistics
- Finance & ICT management
- LMIS maintenance support
Corporate Communication Dept
- Awareness campaigns
- Public education
- Media & CSO coordination
M&E Department
- Monitoring & evaluation
- Accountability & learning
- Evidence-based policy
Decentralized Structures
Implementation at District and Chiefdom Levels
District Land Commissions (DLCs)
Established in all 16 districts of Sierra Leone to implement NLC functions at the district level.
Key Functions:
- Coordinate land governance within the district
- Facilitate land dispute resolution at district level
- Support systematic land registration processes
- Monitor and report on land-related activities
- Serve as liaison between NLC and local communities
Chiefdom Land Committees (CLCs)
Anchored in the Customary Land Rights Act, managing customary land governance at chiefdom level with focus on gender equity.
Key Functions:
- Manage and administer customary lands
- Document and register customary land rights
- Ensure gender equity in land allocation
- Resolve customary land disputes
- Coordinate with District Land Commissions
Learn More About Our Work
Explore our mandate, services, and ongoing initiatives to transform land governance in Sierra Leone.