NPRA DG Strengthens Ties with Newly Appointed NP Sierra Leone CEO
The energy sector in Sierra Leone witnessed a significant engagement this week as the Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Brima Baluwa Koroma, officially hosted the new Chief Executive Officer of National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NPSL), Mohamed S. Kanu, at his Tower Hill office in Freetown.
The high-profile courtesy visit marked the beginning of what both leaders described as a renewed era of collaboration aimed at boosting stability, innovation, and growth in Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector.
In his remarks, DG Koroma warmly welcomed the NP delegation, noting that the visit was both timely and strategic as it provided Mr. Kanu with an opportunity to familiarize himself with regulatory partners and industry stakeholders in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. He commended Kanu’s over 20 years of professional expertise in petroleum management and operations across Sierra Leone and the wider subregion, stressing that such a wealth of experience is crucial for shaping the future of the local market.
Koroma reiterated NPRA’s strong commitment to working hand-in-hand with NPSL, describing the company as a pillar in the petroleum value chain, the largest taxpayer in the sector, and one of the biggest private employers in the country. He encouraged the new CEO to maintain NP’s market leadership by aligning with global best practices, leveraging modern technology, and adopting sustainable business models that will drive sectoral transformation.
On his part, CEO Mohamed S. Kanu expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception and lauded the reforms that NPRA has introduced in recent years to improve governance, transparency, and accountability in the petroleum sector. He highlighted his professional background, which includes regional stints in Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire, and assured that he would bring this diverse experience to strengthen NP’s operations in Sierra Leone.
Kanu further pledged to focus on overcoming pressing industry challenges such as supply chain stability, fuel security, and competitive pricing while ensuring that NP maintains its edge as a market leader. He emphasized that strong regulatory collaboration between NPRA and NPSL is essential, especially at a time when global energy markets are grappling with volatility and uncertainty.
The meeting concluded on a note of mutual understanding and optimism, with both institutions affirming their commitment to fostering a petroleum sector that not only drives economic growth but also secures energy sustainability for Sierra Leone.
