NPRA Boss Baluwa Koroma Explores Global Partnerships at World Petroleum Congress

Baluwa Koroma, head of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), has highlighted the significance of the World Petroleum Congress in fostering growth and addressing challenges in the global oil and gas sector.

Speaking about his experience at the Congress, Koroma said the event provided a unique platform to engage with industry leaders worldwide.

During the Congress, he held a one-on-one meeting with Mr. Fahad Alholi of the Ministry of Oil & Gas, State of Kuwait, to explore partnership opportunities with the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), a key subsidiary of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation that oversees nine subsidiaries, including petroleum downstream activities. Koroma and his team also toured KOC facilities in Al Ahmadi to observe the oil exploration process firsthand.

Koroma further engaged with Mr. J. Dean Tucker of Canada and Mr. J. Gerardo Uria of the United States, both council members for their respective countries. Discussions focused on partnerships, investment opportunities, regulatory best practices, and technical staff exchanges.

A particularly inspiring session was held with Mr. Mohamed Al Tayyar of the Ministry of Oil, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mr. Al Tayyar expressed strong interest in Sierra Leone, attributing his enthusiasm to the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio. Discussions included potential investment in strategic petroleum products, regional tank farms, and LPG projects.

Koroma expressed gratitude to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Kuwait City, led by Her Excellency Ishata Thomas, for their support in facilitating engagements and fostering international collaboration.