By: Aminata Sesay
The newly appointed Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Dr. Brima Baluwa Koroma, has vowed to implement bold reforms and modernize Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector. He made the commitment during his inaugural address at the NPRA headquarters in Freetown on Tuesday.
In his first official statement, Dr. Koroma unveiled a strategic vision focused on strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting transparency, and ensuring fair competition across the petroleum market. He urged collaboration from stakeholders, including industry operators, civil society, and the media, to support the Authority’s transformation agenda.
“Our goal is to transform the sector into a hub for industrial development and economic opportunity,” he said. “We are moving away from reactive measures toward proactive, data-driven regulation that ensures fair pricing, product quality, and consumer protection.”
Dr. Koroma referenced provisions in the NPRA Act, particularly Part III, which grants the Authority the mandate to set fuel prices, approve storage fees, and establish stock balance thresholds. He also revealed that a digital monitoring system, capable of overseeing over 300,000 users, will become operational within two months.
A former Deputy Board Chairman of NPRA, Dr. Koroma described his new role as a continuation of his public service, and he thanked his predecessor, board members, and staff for their continued support.
Following his remarks, NPRA Board Chairman, Mr. Michael Hallie Kendoh, officially welcomed the new Director General and expressed complete confidence in his leadership.
“I am overwhelmed with joy,” said Mr. Kendoh. “I worked with him when he served as Board Chair, and I have no doubt in his ability to lead this institution to greater heights.”
He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to providing strategic oversight while allowing the executive team the autonomy to implement reforms. Mr. Kendoh also highlighted NPRA’s recent accomplishments, including increased revenue generation, greater market participation, and strengthened regulatory enforcement.
“NPRA has contributed trillions to government revenue. We now have more oil marketing companies and fairer competition thanks to the policies we implemented,” he added.
The ceremony was attended by board members, directors, and senior staff, many of whom offered congratulatory messages to the new Director General:
“Congratulations, boss. This is well-deserved,” said the Director of Policy and Planning. “You’ve made history. We are proud of you,” remarked the Deputy Director General.
“Wishing you all the best in this new chapter,” added the Director of Finance.
The National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA) is the statutory body responsible for regulating Sierra Leone’s petroleum downstream sector. Its mandate includes pricing, importation, storage, distribution, and consumer protection in the national interest.
