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Labour Minister Stresses Importance of Social Security Scheme for the Informal Sector

Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has on September 14, 2023 officially inaugurated the first meeting of the Steering Committee for the Informal Sector NASSIT Scheme.

During the opening, he stressed the need for a radical shift towards comprehensive social protection particularly for workers in the informal economy.

The Minister highlighted the importance of the proposed Social Security Scheme for workers in the informal sector, which includes the establishment of a Technical Committee responsible for providing technical guidance in designing the scheme.

These Committees have been tasked with creating a viable system that safeguards against critical socio-economic contingencies for the vast majority of individuals who are not effectively covered by the existing NASSIT Act.

Expanding social protection systems presents challenges, primarily due to heightened labor market uncertainties and fiscal constraints faced by Governments, as well as extreme poverty and exclusion levels in society. The Minister emphasized that social protection is a pivotal element of the Government’s strategy for human capital development, political stability and inclusive growth.

From a social protection perspective, the Ministry aims to transition from ad-hoc emergency interventions to create a more coherent, comprehensive and sustainable social protection system. This approach encompasses social assistance, social insurance, and potentially universal minimum pensions for the elderly.

Minister Swaray noted that despite various efforts by successive NASSIT administrations over the past 20 years, the informal sector and self-employed individuals, constituting approximately 92 percent of the workforce, remain outside the NASSIT scheme and lack coverage under any organized social security system.

To address that, he stressed the importance of a well-thought-out design for an informal sector scheme, particularly one that involves voluntary contributions from workers. The Minister highlighted the necessity of creating a scheme that makes sense for voluntary participation, as imposing mandatory compliance would be impractical.

Regarding administrative costs, Minister Swaray underscored the need to keep them in check, as the proposed scheme would be based on voluntary savings and carry significant benefit liabilities. He suggested that the scheme’s design should establish safeguards to control administrative costs, regardless of who manages it.

Furthermore, the Minister explored the potential benefits of private sector involvement in the management and administration of the proposed informal sector scheme. He cited examples from other countries, such as Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Cape Verde, where private sector partnerships have enhanced operational effectiveness, service quality, cost efficiency, and coverage.

Deputy Director General of NASSIT, Mohamed Gbondo, explained the processes and procedures leading up to the meeting. He expressed satisfaction with the cooperation received from most members of the informal sector during the engagement process, anticipating that the outcome would be widely accepted and easily implemented for maximum success. While acknowledging potential challenges ahead, he expressed confidence in the Committee’s ability to overcome them.

The meeting, held at the Freetown International Conference Center, Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown, drew substantial attendance from informal sector representatives, NASSIT staff, the Press, and other distinguished figures, demonstrating the importance of establishing a scheme for the Informal Sector.

Several Government officials, including the Minister of Social Welfare, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Minister of Trade and Industry, and Deputy Finance Minister I, were also present in a show of solidarity for the critical initiative.

Augustine T. M Koroma Emerges as New National Programme Coordinator for FQSE

In a recent announcement, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio appointed Augustine Tehguma Moses Koroma as the National Programme Coordinator for Free Quality School Education (FQSE).

His appointment underscores the Government’s commitment to the Flagship Free Quality School Education Initiative, which has received significant investments and garnered both national and international recognition.

The Free Quality School Education initiative aims to enhance the quality of basic and senior secondary education in Sierra Leone while harnessing the nation’s human capital to drive comprehensive national development.

But who is Augustine Tehguma Moses Koroma?

Born on August 12, 1987, in Blama Town, Kenema District, Eastern Sierra Leone, Augustine Koroma embarked on his educational journey at Dr. June Holst-Roness Municipal School on Syke Street, Freetown, for his primary education. He then pursued his secondary education at Sierra Leone Grammar School.

Following impressive six-year tenure at Sierra Leone Grammar School, Augustine Koroma gained admission to Njala University, where he successfully completed a course in Banking and Finance. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Banking and Finance. Furthermore, he holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Administration and Management, an MBA in Project Management, and is currently pursuing an MSc in Economics at Njala University.

With over a decade of professional experience, Augustine Koroma has honed his knowledge, expanded his horizons, deepened his insights, and sharpened his skills.

He has worked in various banking and micro-finance institutions for eight years and also served roles at organizations such as the International Medical Corps and the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), where he held positions as Community-Based Facilitator, Finance Officer and District Coordinator. Additionally, he is a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Mr. Koroma has collaborated with international and local development partners and funders, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank, USAID, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB), and the Pro Poor Growth for Peace Consolidation (GPC).

Despite his extensive professional background, Augustine Koroma is no stranger to the classroom and lecture hall. He has taught at various secondary schools and currently serves as a part-time lecturer at Milton Margai Technical University.

Augustine Tehguma Moses Koroma’s appointment has garnered widespread praise and positive reactions from individuals across various sectors of society. Known for his friendly demeanor, industrious work ethic, selflessness, and dedication to service and delivery, he is poised to approach his new role with a positive mindset and the necessary experience.

Many are confident that he will excel in his new capacity and contribute significantly to the continued success of the Free Quality School Education initiative. His appointment is seen as a testament to the Government’s commitment to providing quality education and opportunities for the nation’s youth.

APC MPs to Occupy Their Seats in the 6th Parliament

By Amin Kef-Ranger

A very reliable source within the hierarchy of the All People’s Congress (APC) party has informed The Calabash Newspaper that everything is set for the dialogue between the All People’s Congress (APC) and the Government of Sierra Leone to take place on the 25th September, 2023.

According to the very reliable source, the APC has agreed that all its elected Members of Parliament, Mayors, Councilors and other elected personalities will assume their rightful positions upon the reopening of parliamentary sittings in the coming weeks.

According to political pundits, such a message coming at this time when the country’s economy is declining at an alarming rate, is very good news for the people of Sierra Leone.

The participation of the APC in the governance of the State will definitely bring about the much-needed change and cause the international community to start supporting Sierra Leone because the governance of the country would no longer be in the hands of one political party, social and political analysts opine.

As all of this is happening, the much-talked about dialogue between the APC and Government that will be chaired and brokered by independent players like the Commonwealth, ECOWAS and AU is also expected to bring about huge dividends which would see the current political stalemate become a thing of the past and the people of Sierra Leone breath sighs of relief and begin to live better lives once again; lives without fear and without watching your back.

It is no secret that the political crisis between the main opposition APC and the Government, which engulfed the country immediately after the June 24 elections, worsened over time, threatening to derail constitutional rule, peace and stability.

The main opposition APC refused to accept the election results, and boycotted participating in governance, including refusal of its elected Members of Parliament to take their seats.

However, the promotion of democracy is central to the international community’s mission in Sierra Leone, it is clear that they are encouraging dialogue as a way to correct the political crisis in the country.

Hopefully, after the dialogue, lives of Sierra Leoneans will return to normal.

Citizens Express Doubts Over 62% IGR Poll Outcome in Election Results

By Foday Moriba Conteh

A recent report by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) has set off a wave of debate and skepticisms as the institution claims that a substantial 62% of Sierra Leoneans believe that the announced June 2023 election results genuinely reflect the people’s will.

While the statistics have been presented as a snapshot of public sentiment, they have left many questioning their accuracy, given the tumultuous context of the recently conducted elections.

The IGR Report reveals a deep divide among Sierra Leoneans in relation to their confidence in the election results. On one side, majority appears to accept the outcomes as legitimate. However, almost four in 10 respondents expressed doubts, with 14% advocating for a runoff election, and 13% asserting that Dr. Samura Kamara, a candidate, secured a majority exceeding 55% in the first round.

This polarization isn’t confined to the general public; it also aligns with political affiliations. Notably, according to the report, 89% of respondents linked to the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) believe in the accuracy of the election results, while just 25% of those affiliated with the All-People’s Congress (APC), the principal opposition party, shares that sentiment. Those without affiliations to the major parties show a trust level close to the overall average, with approximately two-thirds endorsing the announced results.

However, context is essential to understanding these statistics. The recently concluded Presidential and General Elections were steeped in controversy. The results faced vehement opposition from the APC, who raised concerns about statistical inconsistencies, especially in the presidential results.

International observer groups, including the local National Elections Watch (NEW) and the EU Election Observation Mission, also pointed out issues related to transparency in the tabulation process and logistical challenges in certain areas.

Furthermore, several international observers, including the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Sierra Leone and the Carter Center, have both called on the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) to publish the results of the June 24, 2023, Presidential Election.

In a statement released by the EU EOM, dated June 28, 2023, it stated that it has called on the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) to promptly publish disaggregated results data at the polling station level, a move which the election observer body said is aimed at ensuring transparency and public scrutiny of the electoral process.

“The observers were unable to effectively verify the result forms for the presidential election and important information regarding corrections and cancellations of polling station results was not shared with party agents and citizen observers,” the EU EOM highlighted, adding how the absence of disaggregated results data at the polling station level has compromised the transparency of the results management process.

The U.S. State Department, on the other hand, continued to be concerned about irregularities in the election results announced by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). Independent parallel vote tabulations and analyses by accredited national and international observation missions raise questions about the integrity of the official results. The U.S. therefore called on the Government to institute an independent, outside investigation of the elections process and integrate observer recommendations to improve the electoral modalities for future elections.

Adding to the complexity, elected officials from the APC have refused to participate in governance.

Against this contentious backdrop, the IGR’s claim that 62% of citizens accept the election results as accurate has sparked a lively debate. Many citizens, who spoke to this medium, argued that the data did not fully encapsulate the broad spectrum of public sentiment, as a significant portion of the population remains deeply skeptical about the legitimacy of the election.

Given this intricate and contentious backdrop,  IGR’s assertion that 62% of citizens believe the election results accurately reflect the people’s votes is being hotly contested by a significant segment of the population. The statistics presented by the IGR may not capture the full spectrum of public sentiment, as a substantial portion remains deeply skeptical about the credibility of the election outcomes. As Sierra Leoneans grapple with these divergent viewpoints, the debate over the legitimacy of the June 2023 election results continues to unfold.

More details in subsequent publications

Winner of 2023 Orange Social Venture Tech Queen Competition Tells Her Story

Hawanatu Sesay, Founder of IOT Labs SL, was the proud winner of the 2023 Women’s Prize of the Orange Social Venture Tech Queen competition.

Hawanatu told this medium that she is so excited to announce that she won the Orange Social Venture Prize Tech Queen for their IoT plant monitoring device. According to her, the award was a dream came true for her and a validation of all the hard work that she had put into her project.

The proud winner disclosed that their device, called the “IOT Plant Monitoring Device,” uses sensors to monitor soil moisture, light levels and temperature. She continued that the data is then sent to the cloud, where it can be used to optimize irrigation, fertilization and pest control which can help farmers save water, increase crop yields and reduce pesticide use.

Hawanatu disclosed that she developed the IOT Plant Monitoring Device in response to the challenges faced by farmers in her country, Sierra Leone further expressing the view that the country is a major producer of agricultural products, but is also prone to droughts and floods adding how such weather events can damage crops and lead to food shortages.

The IOT Plant Monitoring Device, she said, can also help farmers to mitigate those risks by providing them with real-time data on their crops’ needs.

Hawanatu further maintained that she is also passionate about making the IOT Plant Monitoring Device affordable to small-scale farmers, who are the backbone of the agricultural sector in Sierra Leone.

She said winning the Orange Social Venture Prize Tech Queen is a major milestone for her and the IOT Plant Monitoring Device project disclosing how the prize money will be used to scale up production of the device and to expand its reach to farmers in Sierra Leone.

The female prize winner also revealed how she is also planning to develop new features for the IOT Plant Monitoring Device which will help farmers to do intensive monitoring of their farms.

She expressed gratitude to Orange for the award, saying she is excited to continue working to make the IOT Plant Monitoring Device a reality further adding how she believes that the IOT Plant Monitoring Device has the potential to revolutionize agriculture and to help farmers in Sierra Leone and around the world to grow more food and make a better living.

Hawanatu further stated that she is excited to see what the future holds for their IOT plant monitoring device also expressing optimism that with the help of the support they have received from Orange Sierra Leone they are confident that using their technology will help to improve food security and sustainability in Sierra Leone and other developing countries.

“We are confident that our device will continue to make a positive impact on the world,” she stated adding how they are committed to making it accessible to farmers around the globe with the belief that it has the potential to revolutionize agriculture.

She also maintained that she is excited to see what the future holds for their device and is proud to be a part of the team that is making it happen.

Hawanatu ended by extending thanks and appreciation to Orange for the incredible award saying she is honoured to be a recipient of the Orange Social Venture Prize Tech Queen also stressing that she is committed to using the award to make a difference in the world.

MoH & Partners to Switch from 2 Doses to 1HPV Vaccine Dose for Cervical Cancer – Dr. Desmond Maada Kangbai Reveals

Senior Health Education Officer –HEP/MoH
Senior Health Education Officer –HEP/MoH

By Ibrahim Sorie Koroma

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with its partners, through the Child Health and Expanded Programme on Immunization (CH-EPI) is planning to switch from double HPV vaccine dose to single dose and from single age cohort of 10 years old girls to Multiple-Age Cohorts (MAC) vaccination of eligible girls (10-18), as a preventive measure for Cervical Cancer.

This was revealed during a 5 day stakeholders meeting held in Makeni last week. It could be recalled that the Ministry of Health in October 2022 introduced the HPV vaccine into the routine immunization system in the form of a vaccination roll-out campaign targeting girls, 10 years of age.

During the campaign roll-out, the first dose of HPV vaccine was administered to over 500,000 eligible girls who could have also taken their second dose after 6 months from the time of the first administered dose.

However, this has changed with the new arrangement; switching from double HPV vaccine dose to single vaccine and from single age cohort (10 years) to Multi-Age Cohorts (10-18 years).

Pointing out the reason for the switch, Dr. Desmond Maada Kangbai of the Child Health and Expanded Programme on Immunization (CH-EPI) said that further research and evidence gathered by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other professional health bodies, on the efficacy and effectiveness of the vaccine, have shown that just one dose of the HPV vaccine can provide life-long protection against cervical cancer for girls when given at the right age cohort.

Dr. Kangbai continued that the switch is cost effective as it makes it possible to provide for more girls. “Just imagine, the HPV vaccine was introduced with the hope of giving 2 doses to a girl and now with the switch, 2 doses can be given to 2 eligible girls instead of 2 vaccine doses per girl, you see how more girls would benefit from the lifesaving vaccine,’’ Dr. Kangbai averred.

Talking about the future vaccination plan, Dr. Kangbai said with the switch to a single dose and Multiple-Age Cohorts, they are planning for a nationwide HPV vaccination roll-out campaign sometime next year in which girls 10-18, both in and out of schools, will be vaccinated against Cervical Cancer.

He reiterated that cervical cancer is the second cause of deaths of women in Sierra Leone after breast cancer further emphasizing the severity of Cervical Cancer.

Dr. Kangbai referenced that according to the Sierra Leone Cancer Registry the country records 515 new cervical cancer cases and 372 deaths each year, adding that this data may not be accurate because of underreporting but they however rely on it for planning.

Talking of prevention, he assured that vaccination of girls at an early age is the most effective as it prevents them of having cervical cancer later in life, adding that cervical cancer is a serious disease that affects women but they are shy to talk about it because of stigma which can lead to psychological issues.

“So, prevention through vaccination for girls is key,” he said also encouraging older women to go for cervical cancer screening as it can also help to prevent and lay the foundation for treatment stressing how all that are part of the elimination strategy for cervical cancer in Sierra Leone.

Police Mounts Intensive Manhunt for September 11 Protest Ringleaders

By Francess Wright

In the wake of the botched 11th September, 2023 planned protest that crippled activities in all facet of society, various arrests were effected by Police and Military personnel in different parts of Freetown. Though according to official reports two protesters were killed by security personnel, however, some have alleged that the death toll rose up to seven.

During a Press Briefing that was convened in the Conference Room of the Sierra Leone Police on the Tuesday 12th September, 2023, Spokesperson for the Police, ASP Brima Kamara, also known as Media 1, intimated newsmen that close to sixty persons were arrested in various locations of Freetown for what he deemed as staging an unlawful protest. He went further to reveal that all those arrested will be charged to court and at the same time they are frantically searching for one Solomon Sesay of 33 Jalloh Terrace, Sheriff Mansaray of 23 Cemetery Road, Rokel and Alice Turay of 20 Bai Bureh Road, who while in detention surreptitiously escaped.

He underscored that the Police will leave no options out as they have launched a thorough investigation into their escape affirming that if it is established that they were aided and abetted in their escape by some Police personnel then drastic actions will be meted against such “saboteurs”.

He hammered home that the aforementioned persons, according to their intelligence, were caught in defiant moods who were bent on going forward with the protest saying it was their right to protest in order to register their dissatisfaction against the high cost of living that many are going through in the country. “We will do all within our power, through overt and covert means, search all the nook and cranny of Freetown just to ensure that those accused persons are apprehended and pay for their actions,” he furiously pointed out further stressing that they consider it as a slap on their face for such suspects to just disappear in thin air.

In a related development, 43 accused persons on Thursday 14th, September 2023 appeared before Magistrate Hadiru Daboh at the Ross Road Magistrate’s Court No.3 in Freetown. They were arraigned before the Magistrate on charges of Unlawful Procession, Riotous Conduct and Disorderly Behavior, among other offenses.

All were presented before the court to respond to five counts, including Conspiracy to commit a crime contrary to law; Unlawful Possession, as per Section 17 (3) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1964; Riotous Conduct, as per Section 12(a) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965; and Disorderly Behaviour, as per Section 12(a) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965, as repealed and replaced by Act No. 15 of 1973.

According to the Prosecution, the 43 accused individuals conspired with others, who remain unidentified, to carry out an Unlawful Procession without the necessary legal authorization.
After reading the charges against them, defence lawyers asked for bail to be granted, a plea that was turned down by the Magistrate who ordered all accused persons to be remanded in prison and the matter was adjourned to a later date.

A reliable source within the corridors of the top echelon of the Police Force intimated this medium, on the condition of anonymity and out of disgust, that some of those who were arrested were taken to the notorious para-military detention centre known as Benghazi where they were severely tortured to reveal the identities of those faceless individuals said to be behind the protest.

The notoriety of Benghazi is one to send a cold chill one’s spine by the mere mentioning of the name as it is muted that any detainee taken there will definitely never recover properly from the torturing experiences. The source speculated that any of those for whom the Police are searching for is caught, he or she will definitely be taken to Benghazi before thinking of instituting any other action against him or her.

The September 11, 2023 botched political protest has once more opened the floodgate of debate as to the legitimate right of citizens to feely express themselves in relation to their perceptions on key issues bordering on economic challenges and State governance.

A school of thought strongly argues that though to a certain extent it is the inalienable right of every citizen to express his or her views on contentious State issues, however, he or she must judiciously do so within the ambit of the law. They furthered that seeking police clearance is paramount in addition to the fact that the actions of the protesters must not affect the freedoms of non-participants.

Others hold a contrary view that constitutionally citizens must be given the opportunity to exercise their grievances through peaceful protests. They maintained that even when the intentions of doing so are genuine, however, the Police will never granted clearance to enable citizens to do so. According to them, as long as the message that protesters may want to put across goes against certain political policies and actions of political actors the Police will never allow dissenting views.

As all these are going on, the Police manhunt for Solomon Sesay of 33 Jalloh Terrace, Sheriff Mansaray of 23 Cemetery Road, Rokel and Alice Turay of 20 Bai Bureh Road will continue to intensify. What has made the situation so scary is that there are political activists who are nocturnally leading police and military personnel to so-called anti-government personalities or radicals.

James Samba Unveils Compelling Tale Leading Sierra Electric to Victory in 2023 OSVP Competition

James Samba, the winner of the 2023 Orange Social Venture Prize National Grand Prize narrated his story of how their entity, Sierra Electric, came to win the Orange Social Venture Prize National Grand Prize competition.

James commenced by saying that as he reflects on his incredible journey, he is humbled and thrilled to share that Sierra Electric emerged as the winner of the Orange Social Venture Prize National Grand Prize 2023 maintaining that the achievement is not just a victory for their project but rather a triumph for the vision of a cleaner, more sustainable Sierra Leone.

He revealed that the genesis of Sierra Electric was rooted in a deeply personal story further disclosing that growing up in Sierra Leone, he witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by his uncle, Jeremiah, who was a wheelchair user. 

According to James, his uncle’s lack of accessible transportation options not only limited his mobility but also exposed him to the dangers of the road. He lamented that tragically, the emissions from fossil fuel-powered vehicles contributed to his deteriorating health, eventually leading to his passing away. James also underscored how that heart-wrenching experience ignited a spark within him to create a solution that could address such critical issues.

He pointed out that Sierra Electric’s journey began with a simple yet powerful idea: to revolutionize transportation in Sierra Leone through sustainable and inclusive electric vehicles. 

He also stated how their mission was clear – to provide affordable, eco-friendly transportation options that prioritize the well-being of  citizens and the environment saying with that mission at their core, they embarked on a path of innovation and hard work.

“Winning the Orange Social Venture Prize National Grand Prize is an affirmation that our efforts are making a meaningful impact,” he asserted adding how the recognition validates the countless hours spent refining their solution, conducting market research and collaborating with passionate team members. 

He made it clear that the victory is not just about them but a testament to the collective dedication of everyone who believes in their vision extending deepest gratitude to their team, supporters, partners and Orange Sierra Leone, stating how the award is a shared success that wouldn’t have been possible without individual supports.

James maintains that the impact of Sierra Electric extends beyond the award adding that with the prize there comes a renewed sense of responsibility and an even greater drive to make a difference. 

He continued that their project’s vision aligns perfectly with the pressing global need to reduce carbon emissions, combat air pollution and ensure transportation accessibility for all also stressing that as they move forward they are committed to translating the recognition into action and to scale up their operations.

The prize winner informed that their journey continues as they focus on expanding their retrofitting services and introducing the improved BYKA Electric Quadricycle, Version 2, also underscoring how the new version incorporates valuable lessons learned and feedback from their users, ensuring that they are delivering a product that meets their needs effectively.

James said the Orange Social Venture Prize has not only provided them with a platform to showcase their work but also inspired them to push the boundaries of innovation and impact. He maintains that with the opportunity to compete on an international stage, they are excited to share their story with a wider audience and learn from fellow change makers from around the world.

In conclusion, James said winning the 2023 Orange Social Venture Prize National Grand Prize is a milestone that encourages them to dream bigger and work harder. 

He said it signifies the potential of what can be achieved when determination meets purpose adding how Sierra Electric is not just a project but a movement that aims to redefine transportation, improve lives, and protect the planet. 

James said with that recognition, they are more motivated than ever to drive change and create a brighter, greener future for Sierra Leone.

40 RSLAF Officers Complete Training with US Army

The newly appointed U.S. Ambassador, Bryan Hunt, has on the 12th September,2023 extended his congratulations to 40 meticulously selected officers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) who successfully completed their training alongside the United States Army Security Force Assistance Brigade.

These RSLAF officers, ranging in rank from Private to Warrant Officer 1, recently concluded their training with the United States Army, marking a significant milestone in the United States’ commitment to collaborative military training, sharing best practices, and fostering sustainable operations.

During the intensive six-week training program, U.S. military advisors imparted knowledge on professional education programming, career management best practices, and a foundational understanding of current battle courses. This comprehensive training is strategically equipping RSLAF Soldiers for future missions aligned with the priorities set by the RSLAF leadership, particularly in the development of non-commissioned officers.

Ambassador Hunt emphasized the enduring partnership that has existed

since 2002, underscoring its significance in strengthening the bond between the United States and Sierra Leone. He stated, “This partnership reflects the longstanding friendship between the United States and Sierra Leone and underscores the importance we both place on professional education and development within our armed forces.”

The U.S. Army Security Force Assistance Brigade responsible for facilitating this training is part of a global program that specializes in providing tactical, operational, and strategic training to military partners worldwide. Since July 2023, the 2nd SFAB’s Maneuver Company Advisor Team 2120 has been actively engaged in Sierra Leone.

Leveraging United States Army doctrinal practices to complement RSLAF’s own doctrines, the advisors and partners have worked collaboratively to identify commonalities and differences in doctrine and tactics, techniques, and procedures, with a particular focus on training management and the cultivation of non-commissioned officers.

This joint effort between the United States and Sierra Leone represents a significant step toward enhancing the capabilities of the RSLAF and further solidifying the enduring partnership between the two nations.

It underscores the commitment of both countries to promoting professionalism and excellence within their armed forces, ultimately contributing to regional security and stability.

NP-SL’s Solid Reputation Rests on its Effective Customer Care Stance

By Amin Kef-Ranger

In a testament to its significant contributions to national development, NP-SL Ltd has been widely recognized for its pivotal role in bolstering the economy. As an efficient petroleum marketing entity, it takes pride in its extensive network of Filling Stations across the country and its vibrant operations in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and The Gambia.

This 100% indigenously-owned company has not only created numerous job opportunities for residents in these countries but has also adhered to the Local Content policy, effectively reducing poverty levels in the region.

One of NP-SL’s notable attributes is its status as one of the largest taxpayers to the National Revenue Authority (NRA), a crucial contributor to the Government’s financial resources for executing various development projects.

The company owes its success to a capable and competent Management team that consistently devises and executes initiatives aimed at creating value for money. Founded by 35 Sierra Leoneans who purchased shares from the Government, NP-SL Ltd has weathered storms and grown exponentially over the years, becoming unparalleled in the sub-region.

The synergy among its dedicated staff members has also played a pivotal role in the company’s growth.

For those familiar with NP-SL Ltd, its commitment to enhancing customer care is a standout feature. The company prioritizes customer satisfaction and has built a reputation for it.

The selflessness and commitment of its shareholders have empowered many Sierra Leoneans and positioned the company to open more Filling Stations across the country.

NP-SL Ltd has maintained excellent business relationships with customers throughout the sub-region, providing petroleum products at affordable prices. This symbiotic relationship has resulted in mutual benefits, making NP endearing to all.

The Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), the regulatory institution overseeing petroleum marketing companies in the country, has commended NP-SL Ltd for its efficient service delivery.

The company is also known for offering affordable NP Gas cookers of various sizes, which are safe and user-friendly. These cookers are available at all their Filling Stations across the country, and NP-SL Ltd also provides the gas to replenish them.

With its results-oriented Management team, NP-SL Ltd is poised to maintain its position at the top. The company is thriving in all the countries where it operates, and further expansion is on the horizon.

NP-SL stands as the country’s reliable fuel provider, consistently maintaining adequate stockpiles to meet the nation’s energy needs.

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