By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
During a crucial interview with the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Trade, the Chief Executive Officer of National Petroleum Sierra Leone (NP-SL), Kobi Walker, highlighted serious safety concerns regarding the proximity of residents to the company’s terminals.
Walker, addressing the Committee, expressed his eagerness to discuss pressing issues facing NP-SL. He emphasized the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of residents surrounding NP-SL terminals, citing recent incidents in Guinea as cautionary tales that Sierra Leone should avoid
One of the major challenges outlined by CEO Kobi Walker was the currency exchange predicament faced by NP-SL. He explained the difficulty of purchasing fuel in dollars and selling it in Leones, underscoring the complexities involved in maintaining stable operations. Walker acknowledged the support received from key governmental bodies such as the Bank of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade, and the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) in acquiring dollars for fuel imports.
In an effort to promote gender diversity in the workforce, Walker disclosed that over 42% of NP-SL’s employees are female. He attributed this statistic to the company’s belief in the capability of women in the industry and disclosed his advocacy for the “HE for SHE” initiative, aimed at supporting women in various sectors.
In his concluding remarks, Walker stressed the necessity for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to ensure the safety of NP-SL terminals and uninterrupted petroleum flow in the country. He reiterated that NP-SL terminals are not residential areas, emphasizing the rarity of such proximity in Western nations.
The CEO’s remarks underscore the urgency for proactive measures to address safety concerns at NP-SL terminals and the importance of gender inclusivity in the workforce, amidst challenges faced by the company in the volatile fuel market.
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