The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma, has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and promoting decent working conditions following an inspection of the US$418 million NANT Power Project at Kissy Dockyard in Freetown.
The inspection, conducted on Wednesday, 29th October 2026, provided the Ministry with an opportunity to assess employment arrangements, occupational health and safety standards, compliance with National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) requirements, and the general welfare of workers engaged in the construction of the 108.4-megawatt power plant.
Leading the delegation, Minister Koroma emphasised that the Ministry’s responsibility extends beyond facilitating employment opportunities to ensuring that workers operate in safe, decent and dignified environments where their rights are respected.
“Our responsibility is not only to ensure people earn a living, but that they work in safe environments where their rights are respected,” he stated.
During a presentation to the Minister, NANT Power Executive Chairman, Karim Nasser, disclosed that approximately 700 to 740 workers are currently engaged on the project daily, with 597 of them being Sierra Leoneans, representing about 80 per cent of the workforce. He further noted that women account for nearly 20 per cent of the workforce, reflecting the project’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion in the construction sector.
The company also informed the delegation that it was up to date with NASSIT contributions for all its employees. This position was reportedly confirmed during a recent visit to the project site by NASSIT Director General, Chernor Mamoud Jalloh.
The Minister expressed particular interest in ensuring that workers have proper employment contracts, personal protective equipment, health insurance, overtime payments and effective grievance mechanisms in accordance with the Employment Act 2023 and Sierra Leone’s Decent Work Agenda. He also underscored the importance of mandatory safety induction for workers before they are allowed to enter the construction site.
Koroma described the NANT Power Project as a significant investment in addressing Sierra Leone’s longstanding electricity challenges, noting that the Ministry was interested in understanding its progress and identifying areas where collaboration could support its safe and timely completion.
“This is a significant investment in addressing our longstanding electricity challenges. We want to understand its progress and identify areas for collaboration to support its safe and timely completion,” he said.
Formerly known as the Western Area Power Generation Project, NANT Power is Sierra Leone’s first large-scale Independent Power Producer (IPP) and first gas-to-power facility. With an installed capacity of 108.4 megawatts, the combined-cycle gas turbine plant is expected to significantly increase electricity generation capacity and contribute towards meeting the growing demand for power in Freetown and the wider Western Area.
Valued at approximately US$418 million, the project is being financed through a combination of international development financing and private-sector investment. Its financing arrangements include US$292 million in senior debt from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), US$120 million in political risk insurance from the DFC, a US$40 million loan from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), and US$85 million in equity from the project sponsors.
The facility is being constructed by India’s Shapoorji Pallonji, while Siemens Energy is expected to undertake operations and maintenance under a 22-year agreement.
The project was officially launched by President Julius Maada Bio on 18th June 2024, following approximately a decade of development. Construction is reportedly about 68 per cent complete, with the first power generation targeted for the third quarter of 2027 and commercial operations expected by the end of August 2027.
Once operational, the plant is expected to make a substantial contribution to electricity supply in the Western Area, supporting the Government’s broader efforts to strengthen energy security and improve access to reliable electricity.
The investment comes at a time when Freetown continues to experience electricity supply challenges following a reduction in power supplied by Karpowership amid outstanding government payments.
The project is also central to the Government’s National Energy Compact 2026, which aims to increase electricity access from 36 per cent to 78 per cent by 2030.
President Bio previously inspected the construction site on 16th October 2026, describing the project as vital to Sierra Leone’s energy security and long-term development aspirations.
Following the presentation, the Labour Ministry delegation toured key sections of the facility, including the turbine hall, control building and jetty, to gain first-hand knowledge of the construction activities and operational arrangements.
The Ministry is expected to undertake further compliance inspections in the coming months as part of its responsibility to ensure that major investments in the country uphold labour standards, occupational safety and the welfare of employees.