Mandate & Functions
Legal Frameworks and Core Responsibilities of the National Land Commission
Legal Framework
Establishment and statutory authority
National Land Commission Act, 2022
The National Land Commission (NLC) is established under the National Land Commission Act, 2022 (Act No. 19 of 2022) as the statutory body responsible for land administration and governance in Sierra Leone.
The Commission derives its authority from Section 4 of the NLC Act, 2022, which outlines its comprehensive functions including the management of state and public lands, regulation of land transactions, and establishment of grievance redress mechanisms.
Supporting Legislation
- 1Customary Land Rights Act, 2022: Recognition, protection, and recording of customary land rights
- 2National Land Policy, 2015: Overarching framework for harmonizing statutory and customary land administration
- 31991 Constitution of Sierra Leone: Sovereign ownership of land resides in the people
Core Mandate
The NLC serves as Sierra Leone's central authority for land governance, administration, and dispute resolution
Land Administration
Manage and administer state and public lands, maintain comprehensive land records, and facilitate equitable access to land for all citizens.
Regulation & Coordination
Regulate land acquisition and transactions, coordinate land governance institutions, and eliminate duplication of functions.
Dispute Resolution
Establish grievance redress mechanisms and Land Adjudication Tribunals to adjudicate land title disputes prior to registration.
Policy Advisory
Provide recommendations on national land use, planning, and capability to government and stakeholders.
Land Information Management
Maintain an effective Land Management Information System (LMIS) for public and state lands, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
Oversight & Standards
Set rules and standards for surveyors, para-surveyors, and paralegals; provide oversight for land use planning nationwide.
Statutory Functions
As outlined in Section 4 of the NLC Act, 2022
Regulatory Powers
- Issue licenses and permits for land-related activities
- Impose administrative fines for violations of land laws
- Revoke or suspend licenses for non-compliance
- Conduct inspections and investigations
- Summon witnesses and require production of documents
- Make regulations for the effective implementation of the Act
Protective Mandates
- Protect customary land rights of families and communities
- Ensure gender equity in land allocation and inheritance
- Prevent illegal land sales and land grabbing
- Safeguard the rights of women, youth, and vulnerable groups
- Protect state and public lands from unlawful occupation
- Ensure environmental sustainability in land use
International & Regional Commitments
Aligning with global best practices in land governance
Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure
International framework promoting transparent and accountable land governance
African Union Land Policy Initiative
Continental framework for harmonizing land policies across Africa
Sustainable Development Goals
Contributing to Goals 1, 2, 5, 11, 15, and 16 through land governance
Decentralized Mandate
Bringing land governance closer to the people
District Land Commissions (DLCs)
Established under Section 32 of the NLC Act, DLCs implement NLC functions at the district level:
- • Land allocation and titling
- • Conflict resolution and ADR
- • Oversight of local land committees
- • Revenue mobilization
Chiefdom Land Committees (CLCs)
Anchored in the CLRA 2022, CLCs manage customary land governance at chiefdom level:
- • Recording customary land rights
- • Safeguarding gender equity
- • Preventing illegal land sales
- • Supporting dispute prevention
Implementing Our Mandate
Learn how we are fulfilling our statutory responsibilities through concrete actions and services.