By Ragan M. Conteh

The  Parliament of Sierra Leone, on Tuesday  21 January 2025,  passed into law a Bill entitled,  “The National Petroleum Regulatory Authority Act, 2025”.

The Bill seeks to provide for the continuation of the Petroleum Regulatory Authority which shall now be known as the National cohesion Petroleum Regulatory Authority, according to MPs.

It shall continue to provide for the regulation of the petroleum downstream industry including the licensing, monitoring, and supervision of refineries, transportation, marketing, and retail activities and to provide for other related matters.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Ibrahim Alpha Sesay piloted the enactment of the Bill.

On a similar development, Parliament had, on Tuesday 21 January 2025, debated and unanimously ratified several International Conventions, which are geared towards the protection of and use of transboundary watercourses and international lakes.

Presenting the Agreements prior to ratification by Members of Parliament, the Deputy  Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,Madam Francess Algali, elucidated on the importance of the conventions towards the protection of International Watercourses and Transboundary Watercourses. She encouraged Members of Parliament to expeditiously ratify the following agreements adding that, the conventions would help Sierra Leone to project its Transboundary Watercourses.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also assured Sierra Leoneans that the agreements would promote regional investments coupled with quality supply and water management.

She said the conventions, when ratified, would help Sierra Leone strengthen its positive bilateral relationship with other international countries around the world.

Hon. Ing. Falla Tengbeh from Kailahun District in his submission,  noted that the conventions are non-contentious.

“These agreements are good for us,” he said, adding they’re important towards the socio-economic development of the State.

Hon. Shiaka  Musa Sama from Pujehun District expressed elation for the ratification of the conventions. The MP lauded the initiative by the Foreign Affairs Ministry for bringing the agreements to Parliament.

Hon. Sama further appreciated the Government of President Julius Maada Bio for the enactment of good laws for the State.

On the water agreement, he welcomed the convention and went on to underscore the importance of the convention.

Hon. Musa Fofona from Kono District said the conventions are on the right trajectory but he highlighted challenges that are involved in accessing pure drinking water in that part of the country and elsewhere. He, however; underscored the huge benefits these conventions would bring to the development of the State.