NLC Sierra Leone

Publications & Resources

Laws, policies, reports, and informational resources on land governance in Sierra Leone

Laws & Regulations

Principal legal instruments governing land administration in Sierra Leone

National Land Commission Act, 2022

The principal legislation establishing the NLC as the statutory body responsible for land administration and governance in Sierra Leone (Act No. 19 of 2022).

Law Enacted: 2022
Download PDF (2.4 MB)

Customary Land Rights Act, 2022

Companion legislation providing recognition, protection, and recording of customary land rights, with strong provisions for women, family and community landholding.

Law Enacted: 2022
Download PDF (1.8 MB)

1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone

Supreme law of Sierra Leone, affirming that sovereign ownership of land resides in the people, exercised through state institutions in trust for citizens.

Constitution Adopted: 1991
Download Excerpt (1.2 MB)

Policies & Strategies

Strategic documents guiding land governance reforms in Sierra Leone

National Land Policy, 2015

Comprehensive policy framework for sustainable land governance, equity, and transparency, while recommending institutional reforms to improve land tenure and administration.

Policy Document Adopted: 2015
Download PDF (3.1 MB)

NLC Corporate Strategy (2025-2029)

Five-year strategic roadmap for transforming land governance in Sierra Leone, outlining seven strategic pillars and implementation framework.

Strategy Document Period: 2025-2029
Download PDF (4.2 MB)

Land Sector Strategic Plan (2024-2028)

Comprehensive sector-wide strategic plan aligning land governance reforms with national development priorities and international commitments.

Strategic Plan Period: 2024-2028
Download PDF (2.9 MB)

Reports & Studies

Research, evaluation, and analytical reports on land governance

Annual Report 2023

Comprehensive report on NLC's establishment, initial operations, achievements, challenges, and financial performance during the inaugural year.

Annual Report Year: 2023
Download PDF (5.7 MB)

Land Governance Assessment

Baseline assessment of land governance systems in Sierra Leone, identifying gaps, challenges, and reform priorities.

Research Report Published: 2023
Download PDF (3.8 MB)

Women's Land Rights Study

Comprehensive study on women's access to, control over, and ownership of land in Sierra Leone, with recommendations for gender-responsive interventions.

Research Study Published: 2024
Download PDF (2.5 MB)

Cadastral Survey Status Report

Current status of cadastral survey coverage nationwide, identifying priority areas for systematic mapping and survey interventions.

Technical Report Published: 2024
Download PDF (4.1 MB)

Guidelines & Manuals

Operational guidelines, procedures, and training manuals

Land Registration Procedures Manual

Step-by-step guide for land registration processes, document requirements, and quality assurance procedures for NLC staff and stakeholders.

Procedure Manual Version: 2.0
Download PDF (3.2 MB)

Alternative Dispute Resolution Guide

Comprehensive guide to ADR processes for land disputes, including mediation techniques, case management, and legal frameworks.

Guidebook Published: 2024
Download PDF (2.8 MB)

Cadastral Survey Standards

Technical standards and specifications for cadastral surveying, mapping, and geospatial data management in Sierra Leone.

Technical Standards Version: 1.0
Download PDF (1.9 MB)

Customary Land Committee Handbook

Practical guide for Chiefdom and Village Land Committees on their roles, responsibilities, and procedures under the Customary Land Rights Act.

Training Handbook Published: 2024
Download PDF (2.3 MB)

Forms & Templates

Official forms, applications, and templates for land administration services

Land Title Application Form

Official application form for registration of statutory land rights and issuance of land titles.

Download (PDF)

Customary Land Recording Form

Form for recording family and community land rights under the Customary Land Rights Act.

Download (PDF)

Dispute Resolution Request

Form for initiating Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process for land conflicts.

Download (PDF)

Survey Request Form

Application form for cadastral survey and boundary demarcation services.

Download (PDF)

Title Search Request

Form for requesting official land record searches and certifications.

Download (PDF)

Complaints & Grievances Form

Form for submitting complaints or grievances regarding land administration services.

Download (PDF)

International Resources

Key international frameworks and guidelines informing Sierra Leone's land governance reforms

Voluntary Guidelines on Tenure (VGGT)

FAO's international framework for responsible governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forests in the context of national food security.

International Framework FAO, 2012
Download Summary

AU Framework & Guidelines on Land Policy

African Union's framework for land policy development and implementation in Africa, emphasizing equitable access and sustainable management.

Regional Framework African Union, 2010
Download Summary

SDG Land Monitoring Framework

Monitoring framework for land-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 1, 2, 5, 11, 15, and 16.

Monitoring Framework UN, 2015
Download Summary

Request Hard Copies

Hard copies of selected publications are available at NLC headquarters and District Land Commission offices. For bulk orders or specific requests, please contact our Publications Unit.

Contact Publications Unit