By Thaimu Thullah
The Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Brima Baluwa Koroma, has received the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited ( NP-SL) at his British Council Building office at Tower Hill in Freetown.
Welcoming CEO-Mohamed S. Kanu at the NPRA Office, DG Baluwa Koroma, accorded the NP delegation an impressive reception with excitement and expectations. According to the DG, the NPRA management is very impressed with the timely visit of NP’s leadership noting that this is the right moment for the incoming CEO of NP SL (Ltd) to familiarize with the relevant stakeholders within the changing industry landscape and fluid market.
Koroma expressed the fact that Kanu’s admirable two decades’ experience in the petroleum sector both locally and internationally will bring dynamism and hope to the market to keep NP at the top of the pack.
Baluwa Koroma said that his team has always been optimistic in collaborating and supporting NP Sierra Leone ( Ltd ) for their continued excellence service delivery to the economy and the people of Sierra Leone. Koroma recognized NPSL as the closest partner to the government, a single largest taxpayer in the industry with high employer records.
Considering its geographical footprints in West Africa ( Liberia, Ivory Coast, and the Gambia ), the DG encourages NP to maintain its role as the leading oil marketer in the country by migrating best international standards and set the pace for other operators.
“My appeal to my brother is to utilize his vast management experience from other markets and regulatory environments in other regions. As NPRA would continue to regulate the industry only within the legal framework, whilst as operators, you’re encouraged to adopt an internal business model that can fit in today’s volatile market dynamics. Please anticipate and take strategic business decisions that would continue NPs’ organic growth and business sustainability, The Authority is equally cognizant of protecting investors’ returns on investment (ROI) and also consumers’ interest for a win -win situation “the Director General averred .
The new face at the NP management sends a promising market signal for repositioning, robust strategy, and an efficient business environment that will support market stability.
Speaking on behalf of his management, the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for National Petroleum Sierra Leone ( Ltd) , Mr. Kanu expressed his admiration and applauded the leadership of NPRA for the incredible transformations and reforms the sector has achieved in the last six years. He added that the market is completely different today compared to the period preceding his oversea assignment to NP Gambia, NP Guinea, NP Liberia and his recent assignment to NP Côte d’Ivoire where he would shortly be handing over his role as CEO.
Mr Kanu said he has faced and surmounted stiff competition earlier in his career from outside Sierra Leone. This experience, he said, will help him surmount any hurdles while he will not take any competitor for granted.
He added that few years back while he was in Sierra Leone, PRA then was not that visible as compared to now which is why he is extremely excited about the visionary approach of the Director General and his team.
He disclosed that he is assuming a leadership at a time when the industry is faced with turmoil and uncertainties and he is coming with his wealth of experiences to manage the prevailing bottlenecks that may serve as a bottleneck on his journey. He appealed to the regulators to treat NP SL as the major player, which requires maximum cooperation and collaborations with consistent engagements.
NPRA Media & PR Department