Accelerates Shift to Cleaner Fuels and Vehicles

The National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), in partnership with UNEP and ECOWAS, has successfully concluded a landmark two-day workshop focused on implementing regional cleaner fuel and vehicle standards in Sierra Leone.

• Health and Environment: Transitioning to low-sulphur fuels and modern emission controls is vital to reducing respiratory diseases and heart conditions caused by urban air pollution.

• Leading the Way: NPRA Director General Brima Baluwa Koroma revealed that Sierra Leone’s petroleum pricing already operates at 10 ppm sulphur—well below the ECOWAS target of 50 ppm.

• Future Roadmap: The NPRA aims to fully domesticate ECOWAS directives into its licensing framework by 2027.

• Global Alignment: The initiative supports UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Climate Action, while fostering regional energy security.

Representatives from UNEP and the ECOWAS Commission emphasized that success hinges on multi-sectoral collaboration between government agencies, transport unions, and oil marketing companies to ensure a sustainable, integrated hydrocarbon market.