By Yusufu S. Bangura
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh officially inaugurated a 5-million-liter (43,000-metric-ton) fuel storage tank constructed by Aminata Group of Companies at Cline Town in Freetown.
The event, attended by community leaders, government officials, Aminata staff, business partners, and media representatives, marks a significant step in strengthening Sierra Leone’s petroleum infrastructure.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Sengeh congratulated Aminata Group for their investment in Sierra Leone and assured them that the government is committed to safeguarding their investment.
He urged the public to avoid political incitement, which he warned could deter investors, and encouraged everyone to focus on the country’s development.
Dr. Sengeh highlighted Aminata & Sons’ $15 million investment in the project, noting the company’s growth from its beginnings in Liberia 40 years ago.
He shared that, before 2018, Sierra Leone had a storage capacity of 142,000 metric tons, which has since expanded to 278,000 metric tons, with Aminata contributing 18,000 metric tons to the petroleum industry.
“This new facility addresses the fuel shortage issues we’ve experienced,” said Dr. Sengeh. “Thanks to Aminata and other petroleum companies, Sierra Leone is now better equipped to maintain fuel supplies. President Bio has assured everyone that there will be no fuel shortage for at least the next 2-3 years.” He also praised Aminata & Sons for creating 150 jobs for Sierra Leoneans, with plans to expand to 500 jobs.
Mohammed S. Turay, Chief Executive Officer of Aminata Group of Companies, explained that Aminata is a privately-owned conglomerate specializing in the importation, distribution, and sale of petroleum products in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
He shared that the company began operations in Liberia in 1984 and expanded into Sierra Leone in March 2024, with the goal of meeting the region’s demand for high-quality petroleum products.
“Our mission is to deliver high-quality petroleum products in Sierra Leone and Liberia, prioritizing customer satisfaction, safety, and environmental responsibility,” said Mr. Turay. “Our vision is to become West Africa’s leading petroleum provider, advancing economic growth and energy access through integrity, innovation, and excellence.”
He emphasized the company’s commitment to positively impacting the economy by establishing facilities like the one in Cline Town and ensuring consistent distribution of petroleum products across Sierra Leone.
He added that 95% of Aminata’s workforce in Sierra Leone is local, supporting job creation and competition within the petroleum industry.
Sheika Tura, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Aminata & Sons, highlighted the project’s significance for both Sierra Leone and Liberia. Reflecting on Africa’s shared history before the Berlin Conference, he expressed hope for greater regional cooperation in economic initiatives.
Ibrahim Baluwa Koroma, Chairman of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, thanked Aminata & Sons for refurbishing additional storage tanks — an 8,000-metric-ton diesel tank at Cline Town and a 5,000-metric-ton tank at Kissy Terminal — to help decongest Kissy Terminal and work towards the country’s goal of 500,000 metric tons of petroleum storage.
Koroma shared that Aminata’s new facility aims to provide 15 million liters of fuel monthly, covering about 15% of Sierra Leone’s petroleum needs. He noted that petroleum revenue has increased significantly over the past five years, with more growth expected by 2028. In 2023, the industry generated 5.24 million Leones in revenue.
