Wages Commission to Commence Nationwide Pay Harmonization in 2026

The Wages and Compensation Commission has announced that a nationwide pay harmonization process for public sector workers will commence in 2026, as part of efforts to standardize salaries and promote fairness across government institutions.

Speaking at the weekly government press conference held at the Miatta Civic Centre, the Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Alhaji Alpha Osman Timbo Esq., said the reform aims to centralize the determination of wages and benefits under a single authority in order to eliminate disparities within the public service.

Timbo explained that the Commission is legally mandated to determine emoluments, remuneration, pensions, and other conditions of service for all public sector employees. He noted that the law covers the Executive, Judiciary, statutory corporations, commissions and agencies, the Armed Forces, the Sierra Leone Police, other security institutions, and all workers paid from the Consolidated Fund.

He further disclosed that Parliament has repealed previous laws that allowed certain institutions to independently determine their pay structures, thereby granting the Commission exclusive responsibility over public sector compensation.

“The Commission now has the exclusive responsibility to develop and establish mechanisms for determining emoluments, remuneration, and other conditions of service,” Timbo stated.

According to him, the harmonization exercise will involve comprehensive job evaluations, grading, and classification across ministries, departments, and agencies to address inconsistencies and promote equity.

Timbo added that special consideration will be given to low-income earners in a bid to reduce wage disparities. He also revealed that the government is considering an increase in the national minimum wage in 2026 to further enhance workers’ welfare.

The reforms are expected to result in a more transparent, equitable, and uniform salary structure across the public service when implementation begins next year.