Sierra Leone’s NPRA Director General Appointed Vice Chairman at World Petroleum Congress
Dr. Brima Mohamed Baluwa Koroma, Director General of Sierra Leone’s National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), has been appointed Vice Chairman for Technical Programs at the 25th World Petroleum Congress. This year’s congress, themed “Pathways to an Energy Future for All,” focuses on sustainable energy solutions and global petroleum industry advancements.
In his new role, Dr. Koroma will collaborate with the Chair and Co-Chair to oversee pipeline storage and strategic petroleum reserves. His key responsibilities will include assessing advancements in pipeline technology, optimizing storage solutions, and strengthening strategic petroleum reserves (SPS) to mitigate supply disruptions.
Dr. Koroma will represent Sierra Leone at the World Petroleum Council, led by its CEO, Burcu Canci Gunai. His appointment solidifies the country’s growing presence in global energy affairs.
A Proven Track Record in Energy Reform
Prior to leading NPRA, Dr. Koroma held several high-level financial positions, including:
- Chief Finance Officer at Safecon Petroleum SL Limited
- Director of Fixed Income Sales at China Standard Bank
- Director of Global Corporate Sales at Hong Kong Standard Bank
Appointed as NPRA Director General in 2018 by President Julius Maada Bio, his tenure has been marked by significant reforms. Recognizing his achievements, his appointment was extended in 2024.
When he assumed office, investor confidence in Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector was low, with only two major players—National Petroleum (NP) and Leone Oil. Under his leadership, the market has expanded, welcoming strategic players like Aminata, Malador, and All Petroleum Products as new Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Key achievements under his leadership include:
- Infrastructure Expansion: The introduction of two petroleum jetties to facilitate efficient vessel berthing and offloading.
- Increased Market Presence: Expanding gas stations to over 300, ensuring nationwide accessibility with strict safety and compliance standards.
- Global Market Integration: Securing Sierra Leone’s participation on the PLATTS platform, which monitors daily petroleum prices and operations globally, enhancing supply stability and price regulation.
- Revenue Growth: Boosting petroleum sector revenue from 4.6 billion leones in 2018 to 800 billion leones in 2023, contributing approximately 12% of Sierra Leone’s domestic revenue.
Strengthening Global Energy Security
Dr. Koroma’s appointment as Vice Chairman of the World Petroleum Congress further highlights Sierra Leone’s growing geopolitical relevance in global energy security. His expertise will be instrumental in:
- Enhancing pipeline safety and efficiency
- Optimizing storage capacity to prevent supply disruptions
- Contributing to global energy market stabilization
With his vast experience and leadership in the downstream petroleum sector, Dr. Koroma’s new role will reinforce Sierra Leone’s standing in the global energy landscape. His appointment is a testament to the country’s increasing influence in shaping energy policies and ensuring a resilient global energy system.
