By Kadiatu A Turay
Sierra Leone is on the verge of an energy sector breakthrough, as new offshore seismic survey findings suggest the country may be sitting on one of the largest untapped oil and gas reserves in West Africa. Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has described the recent discovery as a “game-changing opportunity” for national development, declaring that Sierra Leone is “now open for business” in the energy sector.
The announcement came during the Vice President’s visit to the MV BGP Prospector, an advanced offshore seismic exploration vessel currently engaged in surveying the country’s deep waters. The visit followed the completion of a landmark offshore study that identified over 80 deep-water exploration leads, with early estimates pointing to a staggering 30 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas.
“This is a significant milestone for Sierra Leone,” Vice President Jalloh said while addressing stakeholders on board the vessel. “The data from the BGP Prospector shows that we are entering a new era of possibilities in the petroleum sector one that can transform our economy, create thousands of jobs, and empower our young people.
The event drew a wide range of participants, including government ministers, local chiefs, industry executives, and community representatives. The gathering aimed not only to inspect the vessel’s operations but also to underscore the strategic importance of offshore exploration to Sierra Leone’s economic future.
High Hopes for Economic Transformation
Director General of the Petroleum Directorate, Foday Mansaray, emphasized the direct economic potential of the find. “We have conducted a comprehensive prospective study of the entire basin. The estimates are clear Sierra Leone could recover up to 30 billion barrels of oil. This is not just about energy; this is about industrial growth, infrastructure development, and financial stability,” Mansaray explained.
Industry experts agree that such reserves, if confirmed and commercially exploited, could position Sierra Leone alongside Africa’s leading oil producers. The sector could generate billions of dollars in government revenue, which, if managed effectively, could fund national infrastructure, healthcare, and education projects.
Challenges in the Path of Progress
However, the road to unlocking this wealth is not without challenges. Jim Gulland, Director of Geo-partners, noted operational difficulties faced during the survey phase. “One of the key issues we encountered was illegal fishing activity, which not only disrupts marine ecosystems but also interferes with survey operations. It’s a reminder that alongside new opportunities, we must address existing problems in maritime governance,” he said.
Environmental groups have also raised concerns about potential ecological risks from offshore drilling. A spokesperson for the Sierra Leone Environmental Watch warned that “oil exploration must be accompanied by strong environmental safeguards to protect marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.”
Local Communities Express Cautious Optimism
In fishing communities along the coast, reactions are mixed but hopeful. Alhaji Mohamed Sesay, a fisherman from Tombo, shared his thoughts: “If this oil project brings jobs and improves our lives, we will welcome it. But we also hope they will protect the sea, because the ocean is our life.”
Younger residents see the project as a potential turning point. Mariatu Koroma, a recent university graduate in engineering, said: “This is exactly the kind of opportunity we have been waiting for where young Sierra Leoneans can work in skilled jobs and build careers here at home, instead of seeking opportunities abroad.”
A Call for Responsible Management
Vice President Jalloh assured citizens that the government is committed to see 111transparency and fair management of any future oil revenues. “We have learned lessons from other nations. Our approach will prioritize national interest, community benefits, and sustainable development,” he stated.
Economic analysts warn that the “resource curse” has hindered development in some oil-rich African nations. Sierra Leone’s leadership will need to ensure that revenues are invested wisely and that the sector is regulated with integrity.
A New Era in Sight
The MV BGP. Prospector’s survey results mark what many hope will be the dawn of a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s economic history. If exploration advances to production, the petroleum sector could reshape the country’s financial landscape within the next decade.
As Vice President Jalloh concluded during his visit, “We stand at the threshold of a brighter future. With the right partnerships, policies, and protections in place, this discovery could lift millions of Sierra Leoneans out of poverty and propel us into sustainable prosperity.”
For now, optimism runs high, but so does the awareness that turning deep-water potential into real national wealth will require skillful navigation both at sea and in governance.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on ednesday,13th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
