By Sajor Jalloh
The Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art 5 million-liter fuel storage tank constructed by Aminata Group of Companies at Cline Town. The facility, with a storage capacity of 43,000 metric tons, is a significant investment in Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector aimed at addressing fuel shortages in the country.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Sengeh commended Aminata Group for their continued investment in Sierra Leone and assured them that their business interests are secure. He urged the people of Sierra Leone to refrain from political incitement, which he warned could disrupt investments and drive potential investors away. “Development is a process,” he said, acknowledging the challenges faced by the people but assuring them that the government is committed to addressing these issues.
The Chief Minister highlighted the $15 million investment made by Aminata and Sons in the storage tank project and pointed to the company’s growth over the past 30 years, from its origins in Liberia to its current operations in Sierra Leone. He noted that prior to 2018, the country had a storage capacity of just 142,000 liters, but with the new facility, Sierra Leone’s storage capacity has now reached 2,780,000 metric tons.
“We have fuel and storage facilities, and thanks to Aminata and other petroleum companies, Sierra Leone will not experience fuel shortages again,” Dr. Sengeh affirmed. The Chief Minister also noted that the project has already provided 150 jobs, with plans to expand this number to 500 in the near future.
Mohammed S. Turay, the Chief Executive Officer of Aminata Group, reiterated the company’s commitment to positively impacting the Sierra Leonean economy. He emphasized the company’s efforts to ensure the efficient and consistent distribution of petroleum products across the country. Aminata Petroleum has recently imported over 2,000 metric tons of high-quality 10ppm refined diesel, which is expected to reduce maintenance costs for machinery and equipment and extend their lifespan.
Sheika Tura, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Aminata and Sons, spoke about the broader regional impact of the project. He remarked on the historical connection between Sierra Leone and Liberia and expressed hope that the project would strengthen ties between the two countries.
The Chairman of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, Ibrahim Baluwa Koroma, thanked Aminata for refurbishing existing storage tanks at Cline Town and the Kissy Terminal, with a combined capacity of 13,000 metric tons. He explained that Aminata’s new facility would supply 15 million liters of fuel, approximately 15% of the country’s monthly petroleum consumption.
Mr. Turay concluded by emphasizing that the project will not only provide reliable fuel supplies but also create numerous job opportunities for Sierra Leoneans. He proudly stated that 95% of Aminata’s current workforce is comprised of Sierra Leoneans, promoting local employment and fostering healthy competition within the petroleum sector.
The commissioning of the new storage tank marks a milestone in the country’s energy sector, and with continued investments, Sierra Leone aims to strengthen its energy security and boost its economic growth.
