NPRA Convenes Dealers and Transportation Association to Strengthen Compliance Ahead of 2026

The National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA) held a focused meeting with the Sierra Leone Petroleum Transportation Association and petroleum dealers at its Freetown headquarters as part of a renewed effort to improve dialogue and cooperation in the downstream petroleum sector. The meeting was intended to align stakeholders and set dealers on a consistent path as the industry prepares for 2026, which the Authority and industry actors hope to be a year of measurable delivery.
Deputy Director General Evangelist Alfred M. Kobba presided over the session on behalf of the Director General, noting that the discussion had been long overdue. He explained that the Director General had intended to hold the meeting in late October to identify and resolve potential irregularities before the start of the new year.
Kobba believes that by proactively addressing issues, stakeholders can promote collective progress and strengthen sector stability. According to Kobba, by addressing issues proactively, stakeholders can promote collective progress and strengthen sector stability. Standards are designed to protect the industry from risks that could undermine it. He stated that the meeting would focus on two main agenda items: licensing and inspection, and engineering and quality assurance, which the Authority considers critical to ensuring operational integrity and public safety.
Mr Jayah K. Muana, Director of Licensing and Inspection, praised petroleum dealers for their timely attendance and continued cooperation with the NPRA. He outlined the Authority’s primary responsibilities, which include overseeing, licensing, regulating, and monitoring the availability of petroleum products in Sierra Leone. Mr Muana explained that the NPRA’s responsibilities include petroleum product importation, export, bunkering, distribution, transportation, and retailing, all of which are carried out in accordance with a reviewed pricing formula that serves as the foundation for regulatory oversight of the downstream sector.
Mr Muana emphasised that strict compliance is essential for industry growth everywhere. He stated that compliance is more than just a regulator’s concern; it benefits oil marketing companies, petroleum dealers, and the general public by lowering risk and improving market stability. He emphasised the inherent danger, political sensitivity, and volatility of petroleum operations, and stated that the NPRA will not compromise on safety or regulatory enforcement. He urged dealers to be proactive and implement modernised safety measures at all stations, whether filling points or full-service outlets, as the Authority ramps up vigilance for the New Year.
On technical matters, Ing. Alusine Barrie, Deputy Director of Engineering and Quality Assurance, clarified the differences between station categories and their minimum site requirements. He explained that a Filling Station’s primary function is to store and sell petroleum products to the general public, whereas a Service Station includes additional customer amenities such as car washes, mini-marts, pharmacies, and restaurants. According to Ing. Barrie, a properly configured Filling Station—with office space, storage, canopy, and tank farm—requires at least two plots of land; a Service Station, given its expanded facilities, typically requires three plots.
Speaking for dealers, Petroleum Union Secretary General Mr Mohamed Sillah called for measured enforcement of compliance measures, particularly for members who have repeatedly violated regulations.
He requested that the NPRA share the names of potential defaulters so that the union could start an internal dialogue and support corrective action. The meeting concluded with a mutual recognition of the importance of continued engagement, cooperative enforcement, and collaborative efforts to ensure the downstream petroleum sector remains safe, compliant, and ready for the opportunities and challenges of 2026.s of 2026.