By: Saidu Jalloh
After recent intensified works, the Chief Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, commissioned the 5 million liters or 43 000 metric ton storage tank Constructed by Aminata Group of Companies at Cline Town on November 16, 2024.
Dr. Sengeh, in his opening remarks, congratulated and thanked Aminata Group of Companies for investing in Sierra Leone and assured them that their investment was safe and they would reap the benefit of their investment. Chief Minister Dr. Sengeh also cautioned the people of Sierra Leone to abstain from political incitement as that would disrupt investment and drive investors.
He argued that development is a process and acknowledged that they knew the hardships the people were faced with, understood everything, and would work to solve it. He highlighted that Aminata and Sons had invested $15 million to develop the project and that development would take time if we look at Aminata’s history, how they started from Liberia 30 years ago to where they are now.
He stated that before 2018, the country had 1,42,000 storage capacity, but now it has 2,7800 metric tons. Aminata Salone is contributing 18,000 to the petroleum industry. He added that this has solved the fuel shortage crisis in the country. Aminata and Sons have also provided 150 jobs to Sierra Leone, expanding it to 500.
“We have fuel and storage facilities, and thanks to Aminata and other petroleum companies for helping the people, Sierra Leone would not experience fuel shortage again,” Sengeh added.
Mohammed S. Turay, AMINATA’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to impacting the economy positively by establishing storage facilities in Clinetown. He assured the public of the consistent and efficient distribution of petroleum products nationwide.
With a recent import of over 2000 metric tons of refined diesel, specifically the 10ppm variant, Aminata Petroleum is set to enhance the quality of diesel available in Sierra Leone. This high-quality diesel is expected to prolong the lifespan of machinery and equipment, significantly reducing maintenance costs.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Aminata and Sons, Sheika Tura, underscored the significance of one and how beneficial the project would be to both Sierra Leone and Liberia. He narrated that Africa was one before the Berlin Conference happened, and he described that as the worst barbaric thing that had happened to Africa.
The chairman of the Petroleum Regulator Agency, Ibrahim Baluwa Koroma, thanked Aminata and Sons for refurbishing the 8,000 metric ton diesel tank at Cline Town and 5,000 at Kissy Terminal. He highlighted that Aminata’s goal is to provide 15 million liters of fuel to Sierra Leoneans, which is 15% of the country’s monthly petroleum use.
He explained that petroleum revenue has increased in the last five years and is expected to increase further before 2028 and that in 023, they generated 5,24 million Leones.
Mr. Turay climaxed by stating that AMINATA’s business operations will create job opportunities for Sierra Leoneans and promote healthy competition within the petroleum industry, with 95% of its current staff being Sierra Leoneans.
