The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Trade and Industry, has concluded a four-day oversight in Freetown, focusing on major players across the country’s industrial and trading landscape.

The committee, chaired by Veronica Sesay, assessed the progress, challenges, and adherence to parliamentary agreements of various companies impacting Sierra Leone's economy. Confidence Trading Company (CTC), a leading rice importer, hosted the delegation.

In her opening remarks, Sesay stressed the committee’s mandate to obtain first hand information on industry progress, achievements, and challenges in order to craft practical solutions that advance national development. The committee reiterated its constitutional role in ensuring accountable public and private sector conduct, underscoring Parliament’s oversight powers.

Among the highlights, Kissy Industry showcased progress under a Parliament-ratified agreement to expand vegetable oil production to meet local and regional demand, underscoring a broader push to diversify supply chains and reduce import dependence.

On the corporate social responsibility front, several companies demonstrated active community engagement, supporting school children and religious institutions, among other initiatives. A consistent thread across visits was a commitment to quality, with several firms engaging the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau to verify product standards.

Rockcem revealed a massive cement factory project aligned with a 2022 Parliament-ratified agreement, while Zala Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, visited at Mongebgah, Jui Regent Road, highlighted its role in helping to stabilize fuel prices and pledging continued contributions to national growth.

ODHAV Industries showcased locally produced iron rods with positive worker welfare indicators, including medical, salary, safety, and security aspects, reflecting strong governance in labor practices. Rock Y. Line announced extensive slippers and rubber footwear production, signaling broader manufacturing expansion.

Lintel Royal Paint Company presented a case of quality paints gaining market traction, with the committee urging broader citizen sensitization on paint use and related matters. Sonoco Sierra Leone outlined plans for a modern flour mill capable of producing 600 metric tons per day, underscoring a significant step in domestic processing and job creation. Whilst Aminata Petroleum’s representatives highlighted their contribution to petroleum sustainability and asserted that fuel quality remains world-class relative to leading international markets.

CTC was lauded for sustaining rice supply and praised for its role in market stability. However, the firm appealed to the parliamentarians for a reduction in freight insurance to further lower domestic rice prices.

Across all visited entities, committee members observed substantial employment contributions and alignment with national development objectives.

Overall, the committee concluded that the visited industries, companies, and investments contribute significantly to employment generation for Sierra Leoneans and are working towards the shared goal of national growth and development. The findings from this oversight tour will likely inform future policy discussions and potential legislative actions related to trade, industry, and investment within the country.