Baluwa Koroma Proposes SLBC Funding Model
By Abdul Rahman Bah
The Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Dr. Brima Baluwa Koroma, has called for a sustainable and transparent funding framework for the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), drawing lessons from the petroleum sector to help secure the financial future of the public broadcaster.
Dr. Koroma made the proposal on Thursday, 8 October 2026, at the National Conference on Sustainable Funding for the Public Broadcaster in Sierra Leone, organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education in collaboration with SLBC under the theme “Ring-Fencing Funding for the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation.”
The conference brought together policymakers and other stakeholders to examine practical approaches to ensuring that SLBC receives predictable financial support to fulfil its public service broadcasting responsibilities.
Addressing participants, Dr. Koroma explained that Sierra Leone’s petroleum regulatory experience demonstrates how clearly defined revenue structures, supported by legislation and accountability mechanisms, can strengthen institutions and improve their ability to deliver on national priorities.
He pointed to components of the petroleum pricing framework that direct resources towards specific development needs, including the Infrastructure Development Fund and road-related revenues. According to him, such arrangements demonstrate the potential of establishing dedicated revenue streams to support important national institutions and development programmes.
He suggested that similar principles could guide discussions on financing SLBC, particularly by identifying a reliable funding mechanism that would enable the Corporation to plan its activities, maintain its operations and improve service delivery without excessive uncertainty over annual allocations.
The NPRA chief emphasised that sustainable funding requires more than securing money. It also demands transparent financial management, clear accountability, effective institutional oversight and a funding structure capable of supporting long-term operational needs.
Reflecting on the petroleum sector, Dr. Koroma discussed how international oil price fluctuations influence domestic fuel prices, household spending and the wider economy. He noted that government interventions, including subsidies, can help cushion consumers against rising prices, although such measures must be carefully managed to maintain economic stability and predictability.
He also recounted the challenges facing the NPRA when he assumed leadership, describing an institution that initially operated with limited resources, including a single vehicle and one office, despite its significant regulatory responsibilities.
Through engagement with the Ministry of Finance, he said, the authority worked towards establishing a more sustainable administrative financing arrangement that supported institutional development and strengthened operational capacity.
Dr. Koroma highlighted improvements in auditing, facilities, institutional capacity and international partnerships as important elements of the NPRA’s development. He maintained that transparency and accountability are essential to building public confidence, attracting investment and ensuring that institutions manage resources responsibly.
His presentation added a practical dimension to the debate on SLBC’s financial future, highlighting the need to explore innovative funding arrangements while protecting public resources and maintaining institutional accountability.
For SLBC, a predictable funding framework could improve budget planning, support investment in broadcasting infrastructure, strengthen technical capacity and expand access to reliable public information.
However, any proposed mechanism would require careful consideration of its legal basis, revenue sources, governance arrangements and safeguards to protect editorial independence.
As discussions continue, the conference presents an opportunity for policymakers and stakeholders to develop a sustainable financing model that strengthens SLBC’s capacity to inform, educate and serve the people of Sierra Leone
