NPRA DG Baluwa Bails Out SLBC
By: Mariama Benovia Davies
The Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Dr. Brima Baluwa Koroma, has opened a new perspective on the search for sustainable funding for the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), proposing that lessons from Sierra Leone’s petroleum revenue framework could help shape a predictable and transparent financing mechanism for the public broadcaster.
Dr. Koroma made the proposal on Thursday while addressing the National Conference on Sustainable Funding for the Public Broadcaster in Sierra Leone, hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation. The conference, held under the theme “Ring-Fencing Funding for the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation,” brought together stakeholders to explore practical and sustainable approaches to securing the financial future of Sierra Leone’s public broadcaster.
Drawing from the transformation of the petroleum regulatory sector, Dr. Koroma shared practical lessons on how institutions can build stronger financial foundations through funding systems that are transparent, predictable and aligned with national development priorities. He explained that the progress achieved within the petroleum sector was the result of a deliberate process aimed at making the institution more visible, accountable and financially sustainable.
He explained that the petroleum pricing formula contains several components, many of which are established through legislation and directed towards specific national priorities. Among them, he highlighted the Infrastructure Development Fund, which provides resources for government infrastructure priorities. He also referenced road related revenues and other components of the framework, noting that properly structured revenue streams can be directed towards clearly identified national development needs.
According to the NPRA Director General, the experience of the petroleum sector demonstrates that a well-designed revenue framework can create opportunities beyond its immediate purpose. He suggested that similar thinking could inform the development of a sustainable funding mechanism for the SLBC, particularly as the Corporation seeks greater financial predictability to effectively deliver its public service broadcasting mandate.
The NPRA chief also spoke about the impact of international petroleum price movements on domestic markets, explaining that changes in global prices can have significant consequences for consumers, government finances and the wider economy. He noted that government interventions, including subsidies, can provide support during periods of rising prices, while also highlighting the importance of carefully managing such interventions to maintain a balanced and predictable market environment.
Reflecting on his institutional experience, Dr. Koroma recounted the transformation of the NPRA since he assumed leadership. He recalled that the institution initially operated with very limited resources, including a single vehicle and one office, despite its responsibility for managing substantial public revenue. Through engagement with the Ministry of Finance, he said, the institution developed a more sustainable administrative financing arrangement, enabling it to strengthen its operational capacity and improve its institutional independence.
Dr. Koroma further highlighted transparency, accountability and institutional capacity as important foundations for attracting investment and building public confidence. He cited the NPRA’s auditing processes, improved operational facilities, institutional expansion and international partnerships as examples of progress achieved through stronger financial and administrative systems. His presentation added fresh momentum to the national conversation on sustainable funding for SLBC, pointing to the possibility of developing a funding model that is predictable, transparent, accountable and firmly connected to the Corporation’s public service mandate. As the conference brings together policymakers and stakeholders, the discussions are creating an important platform for identifying practical solutions that can place the SLBC on a stronger and more sustainable financial footing.
