By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has proudly announced that its Director General, Ms. Musayeroh Barrie, has been nominated by Sierra Leone to serve as Vice-Chairperson of the Administrative Commission at the 42nd General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The nomination of Ms. Musayeroh Barrie is historic. It marks the first time in Sierra Leone’s aviation history that the country has put forward a candidate for such a high-profile leadership position within ICAO, the United Nations’ specialized agency responsible for global civil aviation. For Sierra Leone, this nomination is not merely a personal milestone for Ms. Musayeroh Barrie but a collective national achievement that highlights the country’s growing credibility in international aviation governance.

Sierra Leone’s aviation sector has long faced challenges, from limited infrastructure to outdated regulatory systems. For decades, these constraints placed the country on the margins of global recognition. The establishment of the SLCAA sought to address those challenges, though the Authority itself had to contend with limited resources, training gaps and insufficient funding. Over recent years, however, reforms under the leadership of Ms. Musayeroh Barrie have transformed Sierra Leone’s aviation profile, laying the foundation for this nomination.

The nomination of Ms. Musayeroh Barrie by Sierra Leone reflects international acknowledgment of this progress. Aviation experts have described her nomination as proof that Sierra Leone is no longer lagging behind but is now prepared to help shape global aviation policies and administrative frameworks. The Vice-Chairperson role in ICAO’s Administrative Commission is a strategic position with direct influence over financial and governance matters and Sierra Leone’s decision to nominate Ms. Musayeroh Barrie represents a clear signal of the nation’s determination to contribute meaningfully to the international aviation agenda.

Responding to her nomination, Ms. Musayeroh Barrie said the recognition was both humbling and inspiring.


“This nomination is not just a personal honour but a victory for our nation. It proves that with dedication, transparency and commitment to international standards, Sierra Leone can lead on the global stage. I am humbled by this opportunity and ready to represent Sierra Leone with diligence, integrity and excellence,” Ms. Musayeroh Barrie stated.

Since assuming her role as Director General of the SLCAA, Ms. Musayeroh Barrie has championed reforms aimed at aligning Sierra Leone’s aviation sector with ICAO standards. She has prioritized safety oversight, regulatory compliance, institutional strengthening and youth training opportunities. Her results-driven approach and commitment to modernization have restored credibility to the Authority, both locally and internationally.

Sierra Leone’s nomination of Ms. Musayeroh Barrie is being hailed as a breakthrough by Government officials, aviation stakeholders and industry observers. They argue that the nomination demonstrates not only recognition of Sierra Leone’s reforms but also the country’s readiness to provide solutions to global aviation challenges. International analysts note that smaller nations like Sierra Leone rarely achieve such visibility in ICAO leadership, making this nomination a source of pride and inspiration for other developing countries.

The benefits of Sierra Leone’s nomination are expected to be significant. As Vice-Chairperson, Ms. Musayeroh Barrie will be in a position to influence policies, strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation and expand opportunities for capacity building. Her nomination gives Sierra Leone a louder voice in global aviation while boosting the nation’s prestige and credibility.

For the SLCAA, the nomination validates its ongoing reforms and modernization efforts. It is anticipated that Sierra Leone will leverage this recognition to build new partnerships, expand training programs and attract investment into the aviation sector.

The nomination of Ms. Musayeroh Barrie as Vice-Chairperson of ICAO’s Administrative Commission is a landmark in Sierra Leone’s aviation history. It symbolizes resilience, reform and the determination of a nation to rise above past limitations and claim its place in global decision-making. For Sierra Leoneans, the nomination is a source of immense national pride and a reminder that with perseverance and visionary leadership the country can continue to shape its destiny on the international stage. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slcaa-dg-nominated-vice-chairperson-of-icao-administrative-commission/