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Home Inspiration 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐏𝐑𝐀 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐢𝐨 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

Inspiration

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐏𝐑𝐀 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐢𝐨 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

editorFebruary 2, 20262 Mins read84 Views

The recent increase in pump prices of fuel products was nothing short of the incompetence of the head of the National Petroleum Regulatory Agency, Brima Baluwa Koroma.

President Julius Maada Bio after the 2018 election, promised to salvage the downstream petroleum sector from the hands of heartless dealers. But eight years down the line, the Director General who was breast-beating to lead that reform has become the biggest endorser of something he promised to solve.

Several studies on the downstream petroleum sector within and outside the region were undertaken by Baluwa Koroma including that of the Ghana Oil Company that actively participates within the value-chain distribution network by importing.

The Ghana model proved that with government participation through importation of products, efficiency of products will not only be achieved but price stability and predictability is assured. At the same time, government will not be forced by oil marketing companies to push for an increase when it is not due since it is not just a spectator but a participant too.

But it seems all those plans for President Bio’s government to start importing fuel products remain stagnated since Baluwa is comfortable with dealers.

With a stable dollar rate, seamless global market, and low inflation according to the government, Sierra Leoneans are doubting the explanation of the NPRA boss as to what led to this uncalled for hike in prices at a time when the economy is not favorable.

The transport sector has become chaotic as commuters have been left at the mercies of poda poda drivers, Waka Fine, Kekehs and bikes who charged exorbitantly.

Of course, President Bio knew that petroleum products remain a political commodity that has the power to undermine every facet of the society, and if care is not taken in terms of some crucial decisions, the task ahead will be daunting.

Guinea had one of the worst disasters in the sector few years ago. Their only option at the time was to get their supply from our terminal. Even at the height of that predicament, the government of Mamady Doumbouya maintained a fixed price that has never been changed for years.

The familiarization and camaraderie ambiance between Baluwa Koroma and the downstream sector is something that President Bio should be worried about.

Reviewing the Petroleum Regulatory Act to an authority, seems to be benefiting only one man Baluwa Koroma whose tenure has been extended. But not the nation and the ordinary Sierra Leoneans that deserve reform and result.

Those he trusted to run the affairs of the sector, are no longer thinking that 2028 election is not going to be about color or loyalty to party, but survival of the common man.

Encouraging foreign direct investment in any country is a good thing. But without proper regulation, they will use every chance to exploit the vulnerable people.

For how long can Baluwa Koroma continue to take Sierra Leoneans and President Bio for granted? God alone knows!!!!