By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
Acting Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, has defended the government’s performance in agriculture, education, revenue mobilisation and social protection, while calling for a collective national effort to address the growing drug crisis among young people.
Hon. Silikie, who represents Bo District on the ticket of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), made this statement during an interview following the commencement of parliamentary debate on President Julius Maada Bio’s State Opening Address delivered on August 7, 2026.
He explained that the President’s address provides an opportunity for Parliament to examine the government’s achievements during the previous parliamentary session and outline its priorities for the new session.
On agriculture, Hon. Silikie highlighted the government’s efforts towards rice production and the ambition to achieve 75 to 73 per cent self-sufficiency in rice production. He also noted that locally produced rice was being used in the country’s school feeding programme.
He acknowledged concerns about the scarcity and high cost of locally produced rice in markets but maintained that agricultural development was a gradual process requiring collective participation from politicians, journalists, civil society organisations, civil servants and private-sector actors.
According to him, Sierra Leone must increase local production to reduce dependence on imported food.
Responding to concerns raised by opposition MP Hon. Newton Lily about mining revenues and duties owed to the state, Hon. Silikie questioned the basis of the allegation, arguing that mining companies had made substantial financial contributions to communities and the government.
On the country’s growing drug crisis, the Acting Leader of Government Business described the situation as a serious national concern that should not be politicised.
He said Parliament had established an emergency on drugs and was encouraging the police and other relevant institutions to intensify efforts against drug abuse and trafficking.
He further acknowledged that young people were increasingly becoming involved in drugs, warning that the country’s future would remain bleak if the situation was not collectively addressed.
“That cannot be politicised. The future is the young people, and if they are involved in drugs, then the future is bleak,” he stressed.
Hon. Silikie also defended the government’s performance in revenue mobilisation, education and social protection, citing an increase in domestic revenue collection from NLe0.6 billion in 2024 to NLe18 billion in 2025.
He further highlighted increased school enrolment, the rehabilitation and construction of educational institutions, recruitment of teachers and the expansion of technical and university education.
On social protection, he referenced government support programmes benefiting vulnerable communities, while acknowledging the economic challenges facing the country, including rising fuel prices linked to global developments.
Meanwhile, he expressed concern over the poor attendance of Members of Parliament at the ongoing debate, urging lawmakers to return from recess and actively participate in parliamentary proceedings.
He maintained that although Parliament could conduct business when the required quorum of one-third of its membership was present, lawmakers had a responsibility to participate fully in debates on important national issues.
He described the presidential address as an important document that deserved serious consideration from all Members of Parliament.
