As Yankuba Askia Bio’s Dynamic Leadership Hailed…SLPHA In Stand Out Performance

The Director-General of Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Yankuba Askia Bio’s ongoing activities and vision to take port reforms into higher heights has been greeted with a bang much to appreciation of many quarters.
The determination of the Director General to foster development resonates with the Big-Five Game Changer agenda of the President Julius Maada Bio led government.
Since his assumption of office in 2023, DG Yankuba Askia Bio has embarked on a series of massive reforms and transformations at the quay including transforming the institution from the Sierra Leone Port Authority (SLPA) to the Sierra Leone Port and Harbours Authority (SLPHA). He has also instituted programmes and activities which have seen a huge increase in revenue generation and other infrastructural development at the Port.
The Ministry of Transport and Aviation (MTA) recently recognized SLPHA as top performer in its First and Second Quarters, 2024 performance assessment. The circular, which was distributed to all departments and agencies under the Ministry’s supervision, highlighted the outstanding achievement of SLPHA in various operational and administrative areas with a 63% total score for the period under review.
DG, Yankuba Askia Bio management style has also emphasized collaboration, transparency, and innovation, allowing the organization to succeed in a challenging economic background.
Speaking during a recent government press conference, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority DG, Yankuba Askia Bio highlighted several key achievements within the Ports Authority that are aligned with the “Big 5 Game Changer Agenda” of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) led government. According to DG, Yankuba Askia Bio, one of his most significant milestones since he took over the helm at SLPHA has been the employment of two hundred permanent staff, noting that this move does not only support the government’s “Big 5 Agenda,” which emphasizes Feed Salone, but also strengthens the workforce within the authority, ensuring sustainability in operations and management.
Yankuba Askia Bio also mentioned another critical achievement under his leadership which is the successful enactment of the 2023 Ports Act, adding that the law serves as a framework for modernizing the governance, operations, and regulatory environment of the ports, and further enhancing the efficiency of the country’s maritime trade and logistics sectors.
Under Yankuba Askia Bio’s leadership, the SLPHA has transitioned from a paper-based system to a digital framework, greatly improving operational efficiency, noting that the shift to electronic systems has streamlined processes, reduced delays, and enhanced the overall coordination between stakeholders within the ports ecosystem.
In addition, since taking over office, Yankuba Askia Bio’s cargo transit at the Port of Freetown has seen an increase, with volumes rising to 1,900 tons. This improvement, according to marine experts, signals the growing capacity of the port to handle larger volumes of cargo, contributing to Sierra Leone’s economic growth through enhanced trade.
He has also reported a significant reduction in vessel turnaround time, which has contributed to increased operational efficiency, adding that such reduction at the quay is crucial as it lowers costs for shipping lines and port operators and also improves competitiveness in the regional maritime industry.
The Director General furthered that the extension of the berth at the Port of Freetown is nearly 90% complete and that the project is expected to further boost the port’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels, enhance cargo handling, and attract more international shipping lines to the country.
Also, the US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt, reportedly paid a visit to the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) lately as part of efforts to bolster international trade and economic collaboration between the US Embassy in Sierra Leone and SLPHA. The visit highlights the growing cooperation between Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority and the US Embassy, as the country positions itself as a key player in regional trade.
During the visit, SLPHA Director General, Yankuba Askia Bio outlined the Authority’s recent milestones, including earning US$4 million from a $20 million dividend through its African Global Logistics (20% share) partnership. He also highlighted significant reductions in cargo dwelling times from weeks to fewer than 48 hours. Mr Yankuba Askia Bio furthered that SLPHA has expanded its regional role, receiving more cargoes that are bound for Guinea and Liberia and winning several awards for improved cargo productivity.
According to Director General, SLPHA has concluded the Draft Concession Agreement with Africa Global Logistics and also concluded a draft review of the existing bulk and break bulk concession agreement with Nectar Break Bulk Sierra Leone Limited (NSBT). These agreements, according to Mr Yankuba Askia Bio, address the repair and maintenance of the quay walls and regulate bulk and break-bulk cargo operations in the country. The agreements, he went on, also focus on the repair and maintenance of berths 3, 4, 5, and 6, as well as the extension of the license agreement for bulk and break-bulk cargo operations at the port and represent a critical step toward enhancing port infrastructure and improving operational efficiency.
In addition to this achievement, the Director General of SLPHA has done much in addressing workers welfare, as he is always in touch with staff to get first-hand information on their welfare as the government depends squarely on the Port facility for increase revenue generation.
These accomplishments position the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority as a leading force within the country’s transportation and logistics sector, setting a benchmark for accountability and operational efficiency.
Mr Yankuba Askia Bio has also embarked on an initiative to reduce the export time at the quay from weeks to few days, and that they are also embarking on ensuring transparency and also reduce the cost of operations and streamlining the customs process.
He has also received commendations from several stakeholders including the Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agencies and also from the Sierra Leone Association of Importers as parts of his initiatives to transform the port and also for clearing some of the decades old challenges at the quay. He noted that he also has plans to deepen the country trade balance through export promotions and other activities. He furthered that plans are underway to introduce service level agreements with other partners for effective cargo evaluation.
Despite these achievements, Mr Yankuba Askia Bio has acknowledged challenges at the Port, including maritime piracy, squatters, and delays in container exits in late hours.
However, in a bid to address these challenges, the SLPHA D.G has appealed for concerted efforts and vowed to improve staff training in port security management.
Yankuba Askia Bio’s leadership at SLPHA is backed by 13 years of experience in the maritime industry. His extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise have positioned him as a key figure in transforming Sierra Leone’s port operations, driving forward the government’s vision for a modernized and efficient maritime sector. The selection of this Logistics and Maritime Specialist garnered widespread approval from nearly every operator and service provider at the Port, as well as associated agencies throughout the country.
Prior to his appointment, Yankuba Askia Bio was the Country Purchasing Manager at BOLLORE AFRICA LOGISTICS one of the largest Port Operators managing portfolio of port operations across West Africa. Working from the company Headquarters in France and regional offices in the sub region. He grew from being Team Leader at UNICEF, Logistics Superintendent – Bollore Africa Logistics Marampa Mines), Country Procurement Director – Bollore, Deputy General Manager SLPA and now General Manager SLPA.
Mr Yankuba Askia Bio holds a Bachelor degree in Linguistics from Njala University and Master in Public Administration coupled with several professional qualifications including CIPS – Chartered institute of Procurement and Supply; and his academic and professional experience have greatly contributed to his capacity to deliver at highest level as he continues to provide the much needed leadership at the SLPHA.