By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, on Friday, 30 October 2026, inspected the NANTS Energy Project at Kissy Dockyard, Freetown, to assess working conditions, occupational safety standards and workers’ welfare at the 108.4-megawatt power plant under construction.
The visit was aimed at providing the Ministry’s leadership with first-hand information on the project’s progress, employment arrangements, workplace safety measures and compliance with labour standards.
Speaking during the inspection, Minister Koroma reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to promoting decent work, protecting workers’ rights and ensuring safe working environments across the country.
He emphasised that the Ministry’s responsibility extends beyond ensuring that workers earn a living to guaranteeing that they operate in safe and decent conditions. He noted that direct engagement with employers and workplace inspections are essential to identifying challenges, monitoring compliance and safeguarding workers’ welfare.
The Minister described the NANTS Energy Project as a significant private-sector investment in Sierra Leone’s energy sector, particularly in addressing the country’s longstanding electricity challenges. He said the Ministry was interested in understanding the project’s progress and identifying areas of collaboration to support its safe and timely completion.
During a presentation, Karim Nasser, Executive Chairman of NANTS Energy Project, disclosed that the facility is a 108.4-megawatt combined-cycle power plant designed to increase the country’s electricity generation capacity.
He explained that the project was being developed through a partnership between two companies, with one holding a 72 per cent stake and the other 28 per cent. He added that the ownership structure was expected to change upon completion of construction.
Nasser described the project as a major private-sector investment financed without a government guarantee, noting that its value represented approximately four per cent of Sierra Leone’s gross domestic product.
He disclosed that the project had secured US$292 million in financing from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), alongside US$120 million in insurance support. The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) had also contributed US$40 million.
He further noted that the project’s financing structure received international recognition through an IJGlobal award in 2024.
On employment, Nasser highlighted the project’s commitment to local workforce participation and women’s inclusion. He reported that approximately 700 workers were engaged in the construction process, with women accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the workforce, describing the figure as significant in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
He also explained that the facility incorporates Siemens technology and currently operates on propane, with plans to transition to natural gas, subject to the necessary arrangements.
According to him, the combined-cycle technology improves energy efficiency by using gas turbines to generate electricity while recovering heat produced during the process to generate steam, which powers an additional turbine to produce more electricity.
He disclosed that Siemens would be responsible for the facility’s operations and maintenance, while Shapoorji Pallonji was undertaking the engineering, procurement and construction contract.
Providing an update on the project’s implementation, Nasser said construction commenced in August 2025 and was contractually scheduled for completion by the end of August 2027.
Following the presentation, the Ministry’s delegation was scheduled to undergo a safety induction before embarking on a guided tour of the facility to observe construction activities, equipment and infrastructure.
The inspection forms part of the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen engagement with employers, monitor workplace conditions and promote compliance with labour laws and occupational safety standards, particularly within major development projects.
It also highlights the importance of ensuring that large-scale investments contribute not only to economic growth and improved infrastructure but also to decent employment opportunities, workers’ rights and safe working environments.