BY Mackie M. Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has firmly rejected claims suggesting that a container allegedly intercepted with cocaine in Nigeria had originated from Freetown with illicit cargo. The Authority clarified that the shipment in question—container GCNU1332851—was empty when it departed the Port of Freetown, and remained empty upon arrival at the Port of Lagos.
During a detailed briefing with journalists and civil society groups, Director General Yankuba Askia Bio addressed what he described as widespread misinformation surrounding the incident. He emphasized that the allegations circulating on social and mainstream media were not only misleading but also harmful to Sierra Leone’s growing reputation in the global maritime sector.
Mr. Bio explained that the shipping line responsible for the container, Grimaldi, had provided official confirmation validating the Authority’s account. According to their records, the container was loaded onto the vessel at Freetown with no cargo, offloaded in Lagos without any contents, and prepared for onward transit to Cotonou.
“The narrative linking Sierra Leone to the alleged cocaine discovery is entirely incorrect,” the DG stated. “Both our internal port documentation and the shipping company’s reports show clearly that the container left here empty and landed in Lagos empty. There was no breach or compromise of our port operations.”
He urged the public, particularly media outlets, to rely on factual information provided in the SLPHA’s official press release dated November 14, 2025, which was issued to quell the confusion. The DG highlighted that unchecked speculation threatens not only the Authority’s credibility but also national security and investor confidence.
The engagement, held as part of SLPHA’s efforts to maintain transparency, offered an opportunity for stakeholders to seek clarification, assess the timeline of the container’s movement, and understand the port’s monitoring mechanisms. Civil society representatives commended the Authority for its openness but urged continuous proactive communication to prevent misinformation from spreading.
Beyond the controversy, Mr. Bio used the briefing to highlight several strategic accomplishments achieved since he took office—progress he believes is at risk of being overshadowed by the false claims. He announced that the Port of Freetown has recently been recognized as one of the world’s fastest-growing ports, a status attributed to operational reforms, improved safety systems, and increased capacity to accommodate larger vessels.
He also revealed that the port has earned a ranking as one of the safest globally, an achievement that has enhanced its competitiveness and strengthened Sierra Leone’s position within the West African maritime corridor.
Additionally, vessel traffic has seen consistent growth, with more international ships now choosing Freetown as a transit and docking point. This expansion, Mr. Bio noted, has translated into direct socioeconomic benefits, including the creation of over 200 jobs for young people and a substantial increase in revenue collection for the state.
He concluded by assuring the public that SLPHA remains committed to operational integrity, international best practices, and the protection of Sierra Leone’s maritime image.
“As a port, we are opening new doors for trade, jobs, and national development,” he remarked. “These baseless allegations will not derail the progress we are making.”
