By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone’s Parliament on Tuesday ratified the Offshore Bulk Handling Concession Agreement between the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), the Government of Sierra Leone, and Sierra Bulk Handling Limited, following an extensive parliamentary debate that highlighted both the potential benefits and concerns surrounding the deal.
The agreement, dated 10 November 2025, grants Sierra Bulk Handling Limited a newly reformed, Sierra Leonean-owned company a concession to manage all offshore bulk handling and transshipment of consignments within the country’s territorial waters. According to the Minister of Transport and Aviation, offshore bulk handling is a core mandate of the SLPHA, but the Authority had never implemented the service due to high capital investment requirements.
Presenting the document to the House, the Minister explained that the concession seeks to regulate the current offshore transshipment activities, which are being conducted by private operators without government oversight, revenue flows, or environmental monitoring.
He outlined key benefits expected from the agreement, including improved data visibility on all offshore operations. Strengthened national security and environmental protection. Creation of marine and offshore employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans. Zero capital cost to the government, with all investments made by the concessionaire An annual concession fee of US$250,000, payable within 90 days of ratification. A throughput fee of US$0.10 per metric ton of cargo handled. An annual monitoring fee of US$25,000 to support SLPHA oversight
Using 2023 projections, the Minister said offshore bulk cargo could reach 25 million metric tons by 2026, potentially generating US$2.5 million annually excluding taxes, PAYE, NASSIT, and other related contributions.
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, expressed support for the agreement, noting that the opposition “is not opposed to the development of this country.”
He praised several provisions, including Clause 5, which requires compliance with environmental and operational standards and grants the government the right to conduct unannounced inspections. Monthly reporting obligations outlined under Clause 36.5. Anti-corruption clauses prohibiting illicit payments and mandating immediate termination for violations. Confidentiality and data-protection measures
However, he cautioned against what he described as “major power imbalances,” stating that the concessionaire appeared to enjoy stronger protections than the government. He also raised concerns about “weak regulatory control,” noting that monitoring and penalty mechanisms were less robust compared to previous agreements.
Despite these concerns, he agreed that the economic benefits outweighed the risks and urged MPs to approve the agreement to allow operations to begin quickly.
Majority Leader Hon. Matthew Nyuma acknowledged the opposition’s concerns but clarified that revenue projections were not fixed because cargo volumes may vary. He stressed that increased throughput would automatically increase government revenue.
He underscored the need for a dedicated government account to transparently track offshore revenues. Strict enforcement of local content policies, particularly for consumables. Robust environmental protections to prevent harmful discharges into Sierra Leone’s waters
Nyuma emphasized that waivers should not disadvantage local industries and urged MPs to protect local participation as offshore operations expand.
MP Hon. Dickson M. Rogers described the agreement as unprecedented, stating it was the first time he had seen a major operational concession awarded to a Sierra Leonean-owned company with no financial obligations on government.
He linked the initiative to national job-creation efforts and highlighted that offshore transactions occur daily, arguing that the agreement ensures the government finally benefits from these activities.
“With no strings attached to government, we stand to benefit so much,” he concluded.
Following deliberations, Parliament ratified the Offshore Bulk Handling Concession Agreement, giving legal effect to a partnership expected to increase national revenue, strengthen environmental and operational oversight, and improve data management of offshore operations.