The Management and Staff of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), on Tuesday 1st July 2025, celebrated the appointment and approval of the first Director General, Board Chairman and Board Members of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority. The landmark event was held at their Freetown headquarters at British Council Building, A.J. Momoh’s Street, Tower Hill, Freetown.
This significant milestone follows overwhelming Parliamentary approval on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, for its new leadership team. The approval marks the formal installation of Board Chairman, Michael Hallie Kendoh, and Director General, Mohamed Brima Baluwa Koroma, both of whom were lauded for their commitment to sectorial transformation and regulatory excellence.
Members of Parliament expressed their appreciation for the stellar progress achieved by the NPRA since its inception. Lawmakers, recognizing the vital role of the authority within the country’s economic framework, pledged ongoing oversight support as the organization embarks on this new chapter.
At a press gathering held at the NPRA headquarters in Freetown, Michael Hallie Kendoh, who transitioned from Board Member to Chairman, reflected on his journey within the NPRA since joining in 2019. “I have no regrets about my time spent working alongside our current Director General,” he remarked. Kendoh highlighted that they have collectively made decisions that continue to benefit the nation, emphasizing the importance of fostering a motivated workforce: “When our staff are motivated, we can elevate the NPRA to unprecedented heights.”
Kendoh’s affirmation of the NPRA’s commitment to its mission ignited enthusiasm among management and staff, who gathered in a celebratory mood to welcome their new leaders. Speeches of encouragement and optimism echoed throughout the event, demonstrating the organization’s collective spirit and dedication to its goals.
Reflecting on the NPRA’s evolution, Director General Brima Baluwa Koroma noted the remarkable growth the authority has witnessed, expanding from a small team of 12 employees to over 100, with multiple regional offices established to enhance service delivery. Koroma, who also serves as Vice Chairman for the World Petroleum Council and is a recipient of the African Regulator of the Year award, expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for his appointment. He pledged to elevate the NPRA into a valuable business entity, while fostering a positive working environment.
Koroma outlined his vision for the NPRA, emphasizing the necessity of liberalizing the market to ensure fair competition and quality service delivery. “We believe in teamwork and team management,” he stated, reinforcing the importance of collaboration within the organization.
With the NPRA having transitioned from an agency to a fully-fledged authority, Koroma is enthusiastic about the possibilities that lie ahead. He reiterated the primary objectives of the NPRA, which include licensing and regulating the importation, refining, storage, transportation, and distribution of petroleum products. This mandate aims to guarantee a consistent and affordable supply of petroleum to consumers, while upholding strict compliance and transparency within the industry.
As he addressed the audience, Koroma emphasized the critical role of consumer empowerment, stating, “All dealers must ensure that consumers receive value for their money.” He assured those in attendance that the trust placed in him by the President would not go unfulfilled. “I will be a results-oriented Director General, and my goal is to transform Sierra Leone into a hub for the transshipment of petroleum commodities to other countries in the sub-region,” he declared.
The newly appointed leadership team was met with warm sentiments from various heads of departments and the Deputy Director General, all expressing their commitment to working collaboratively to advance the NPRA’s strategic objectives. Their shared vision of modernization encompasses attracting local and foreign investors, implementing best practices, and addressing the challenges currently faced by the industry.
The formation of the NPRA was enacted through the NPRA Act of 2025, which outlines the authority’s responsibilities in overseeing the downstream petroleum sector. By managing critical operations like importation, storage, transportation, retailing, and refining, the NPRA aims to strengthen Sierra Leone’s economic landscape, while ensuring that regulatory frameworks foster industry integrity and efficiency.
The Parliamentary approval of the new leadership signifies a strong endorsement of the NPRA’s direction and mission. It also reflects the collective desire for impactful governance and sustainable development within the petroleum sector—a critical pillar of Sierra Leone’s economy.
As the NPRA prepares to implement its new mandate, there lies a profound sense of hope and anticipation for a future characterized by innovation, regulation, and economic advancement. Stakeholders from all corners of the sector are encouraged to embrace the newly defined goals and work together to facilitate a transformative journey towards a prosperous energy landscape in Sierra Leone.
With discussions surrounding the NPRA’s trajectory gaining momentum, it is evident that the Authority stands poised to deliver on its commitments, while actively contributing to the nation’s growth and development. The NPRA’s newly appointed leadership is set to champion initiatives that not only benefit the industry, but also enhance quality and standards in the petroleum sector.