n a meeting with representatives of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) at State House, President Dr Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting growth driven by the private sector through ongoing collaboration and engagement.
The President, in his opening remarks, reaffirmed the strategic significance of the oil marketing industry to Sierra Leone’s economy, pointing out that it directly affects daily life and that the government must give it careful consideration. President Bio stated, “This year, I am not only acting; I want to act with haste,” emphasising that if the government and business are to collaborate successfully, swift and deliberate action must go hand in hand with ongoing communication.
He characterised the OMCs as crucial development partners. He stated that the main purpose of the meeting was to listen to stakeholders’ concerns, assess the current state of partnerships, and jointly identify ways to improve cooperation. The President emphasised that regular, structured engagement between the public and private sectors is critical to ensuring mutual benefits and sustaining economic progress, and that the meeting should serve as the foundation for ongoing consultations. According to President Bio, such discussions will help to align policy and industry practice in ways that improve service delivery and encourage investment.
Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh emphasised that oil marketing firms are important contributors to both the country’s development and the overall economy, confirming that the discussion was called at the President’s initiative.
He continued by saying that the administration remains committed to creating an environment that enables private businesses to thrive in conjunction with government initiatives aimed at ensuring energy security and affordability for Sierra Leoneans. A commitment to sustain participation and pursue specific follow-up actions in the upcoming months was made at the end of the session.
