By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has awarded the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA) for its exceptional and consistent service delivery over the past six years in the downstream petroleum sector. The recognition was presented during SLAJ’s official handover ceremony held at the Bintumani Conference Hall in Freetown.
During the event, the outgoing SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, commended NPRA’s Director General, Brima Baluwa Koroma and his team for their unwavering transparency and responsiveness to public and media concerns. He particularly highlighted the Authority’s quarterly press briefings, which have been instrumental in engaging journalists, bloggers and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on matters relating to petroleum regulation.
“Brima Baluwa Koroma’s openness to objective and constructive dialogue with the media has greatly contributed to fostering ethical and development journalism in Sierra Leone,” Ahmed Sahid Nasralla stated.
Presenting the award on behalf of the new SLAJ leadership, veteran journalist Abu Bakar Kargbo, also known as Fadda Bakish, praised the NPRA for implementing critical reforms in a sector often marked by volatility and complexity. He emphasized the need for continued collaboration between the media and public institutions such as the NPRA to enhance transparency and improve public service delivery.
Receiving the award, Director General Brima Baluwa Koroma expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of the accolade as both a motivation and validation of the Authority’s ongoing efforts under its new mandate, established by the NPRA Act of 2025.
“This Excellence in Service Delivery Award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire NPRA team,” Brima Baluwa Koroma said. “It is also a reflection of the people-centered policies championed by His Excellency, Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio, whose leadership continues to shape a responsive and results-driven public service sector.”
Brima Baluwa Koroma added that the NPRA will remain committed to stabilizing the downstream petroleum industry and addressing persistent challenges through reforms and strong regulatory oversight. He extended appreciation to journalists, CSOs and bloggers for their support during the transition from the former Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) to the new NPRA structure.
“I call on every journalist across the country to champion Development Journalism, which is crucial for national progress,” he concluded.
The recognition of NPRA by SLAJ underscores the growing importance of transparency, accountability and partnership between the media and regulatory bodies in ensuring effective governance and public trust.
