By Ragan M. Conteh

The new Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Brima Baluwa Koroma has disclosed that Authority’s numerical strength has sharply increased from 12 staff to over a 100 staff presently including regional managers and monitoring teams to make the sector an enviable institution, which he has described has an impressive improvement.

He said the accolades he has received from both national and international are not meant for him alone but the entire Sierra Leone.

Baluwa Koroma expressed appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for his appointment as the first Director General of NPRA, adding that such appointment resonate the president’s willingness to enhance better quality of service delivery.

The DG referred to NPRA new Act as excellent which he said has given more powers to the institution to carry out its functions effectively including supervision, and determination and monitoring of all petroleum products in the country.

He said the Act is to ensure open and well-coordinated fuel importing companies as well as protect the use of Petroleum products in the country.

He also spoke of how the institution is mandated to promote fair competition on fuel importation.

Meanwhile, Mr. Baluwa Koroma has strong warning to all Petroleum industries and companies who are selling substandard products to consumers, stating that with the new Act, the institution will chase those rogues.

He expressed determination to transform Sierra Leone into Petroleum hub for the Mano River Union.

He pleaded with all Sierra Leoneans to think development and serve the people of the country.

Koroma emphasized the need for team work as staff of the institution to achieve greatness.

The Chairman of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Michael Alie Kendor said the institution has contributed trillions to the government revenue generation.

He however showered praise to the first Director General of NPRA, Brima Baluwa Koroma for his relentless effort in uplifting the institution and for making fuel products a user friendly for all.

He spoke of how the institution has metamorphosed into an Authority which has made the institution an enviable one.

The Chairman also spoke of how Mr. Koroma has received accolades from Parliament and Members of Parliament.

He said Sierra Leoneans are now confident that the new and first Director General will continue leveraging on the importance to enhance the viability of the institution.

In a press conference at the NPRA’s conference room, the Director exhibited his service is not tied to a particular political party or region but the entire Sierra Leone in general.

Baluwa Koroma is also known for his hard work, straight forwardness, innovative, kindness and above all he is a force to reckon with when it comes to working environment.

In the conference speaker after speaker heaped untouchable accolades to the DG for the steadfastness in helping the president’s strides for revenue mobilization for development.

Several departments under the NPRA also praised the new Director General for his wonderful time in uplifting the lives of Sierra Leoneans in general.