In a major step toward popularizing the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (NPRA) New Act, the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Trade & Industry has concluded successful regional discussions with various stakeholders in the Bombali District Council in Makeni. The discussions brought together petroleum operators, the Standards Bureau, media practitioners, journalists, civil society organizations (CSOs), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), and the Office of National Security (ONS).
The primary goal of these discussions was to educate the general public, particularly those within the value chain supply, about the NPRA’s new mandates and the significant powers conferred upon the Authority in the new Act. The intent is to ensure the Authority executes its statutory functions effectively, without fear or hesitation.
Honourable Veronica Kadie Sesay, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Trade & Industry, emphasized the importance of public education following the passage of any bill through their committee. “As parliamentarians, we are responsible for representing every Sierra Leonean, and thus, we are obliged to take Parliament to the doorsteps of our constituents,” she stated.
She further noted, “Our primary objective in Parliament is to make reasonable laws on behalf of our constituents. The NPRA has already achieved significant reforms, revenue growth, and stability within the industry over the years. The current leadership has made notable improvements that continue to position the oil industry as one of the most successful sectors in the country. These accomplishments, along with other compelling factors, led to the transition from an Agency to an Authority, granting NPRA the full authority to oversee the downstream industry in a more transparent and effective manner.”
Honourable Daniel Koroma also praised the leadership of NPRA, acknowledging the challenging task faced by the current Director-General and his team in transitioning the NPRA from an agency to an authority. He urged NPRA to continue its exceptional service delivery to Sierra Leoneans. He also called on petroleum dealers and other stakeholders to adhere to the provisions of the new Act, which, he emphasized, would benefit both regulators and dealers alike.
Honourable Koroma added, “Over the years, we realized that NPRA requires absolute autonomy to effectively extend its reach in hard-to-reach areas and ensure complete order within the industry. This was the driving force behind the legislative and trade committees working to help actualize the leadership’s vision. The successful passage of the NPRA’s new mandate through Parliament marks a significant achievement, and we will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the NPRA’s smooth operation.”
Speaking on behalf of NPRA management, Director of Licensing and Inspection Jayah K. Muana highlighted several key provisions in the new Act and provided a clear overview of critical safety measures for petroleum dealers. Director Muana stressed the importance of maintaining precautionary measures at all petroleum stations, particularly in the southern and northern regions of Sierra Leone. He reminded stakeholders that petroleum products are highly toxic and politically sensitive, and if not well-regulated, they could contribute to instability in the country.