The Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Mr. Brima Baluwa Koroma, has proposed that lessons from Sierra Leone’s petroleum revenue framework could help establish a predictable and transparent funding mechanism for the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).
He proposed on Thursday at the National Conference on Sustainable Funding for the Public Broadcaster, organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education in collaboration with SLBC under the theme, “Ring-Fencing Funding for the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation.”
Mr. Koroma said the petroleum sector’s experience demonstrates how clearly defined revenue streams, supported by appropriate legal and administrative frameworks, can strengthen institutional capacity and financial sustainability.
He highlighted components of the petroleum pricing framework, including the Infrastructure Development Fund and road-related revenues, as examples of how revenue streams can be structured to support specific national development priorities.
According to him, a similar approach could help SLBC secure more predictable funding to effectively deliver its public service broadcasting mandate.
The NPRA Director General also discussed the effects of fluctuations in international petroleum prices on domestic markets, consumers and government finances. He noted that subsidies could help cushion consumers against rising prices but stressed the importance of managing such interventions carefully to maintain market stability.
Reflecting on the NPRA’s institutional development, Mr. Koroma recalled that the Authority initially operated with limited resources, including one vehicle and a single office. He said engagement with the Ministry of Finance helped establish a more sustainable administrative financing arrangement, enabling the institution to strengthen its operations and capacity.
He further cited improved auditing processes, operational facilities, institutional expansion and international partnerships as evidence of progress achieved through stronger financial and administrative systems.
Mr. Koroma emphasised that transparency, accountability and institutional capacity are essential to building public confidence and attracting investment.
The conference brought together policymakers and other stakeholders to explore practical funding arrangements that would strengthen SLBC’s financial sustainability and enable it to fulfil its public service broadcasting responsibilities.
