The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security in Sierra Leone recently conducted an inspection of the 108.4-megawatt NANTS Power Project under construction in Kissy, Freetown. The visit aimed to assess the project's progress, employment arrangements, workplace safety measures, and conditions of service for workers. Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, led the inspection, emphasizing the Ministry's responsibility to guarantee safe and decent working environments.
Minister Koroma highlighted that direct engagement with employers and workplace inspections are crucial in identifying challenges faced by workers and ensuring compliance with established labour standards. The Minister described the power project as a significant private-sector investment in Sierra Leone's development, particularly in addressing the country's persistent electricity challenges. The Ministry's engagement with the project aims to explore areas of collaboration to ensure its safe and timely completion.
Karim Nasser, Executive Chairman of Nants Energy Project, presented an update on the project, revealing that it is a 108.4-megawatt combined-cycle power plant developed through a partnership between two companies with ownership stakes of 72 per cent and 28 per cent, respectively. The ownership structure is expected to change after construction is completed. Nasser noted that the project secured US$292 million in financing from the United States International Development Finance Corporation, alongside US$120 million in insurance support.
The NANTS Power Project has promoted local participation and women's inclusion, with approximately 700 workers currently involved in construction, and women accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the workforce. Nasser described this level of female participation as a notable achievement in an industry where women remain underrepresented. The facility incorporates Siemens technology and currently operates on propane, with plans to transition to natural gas in the future.
The project's financing structure received international recognition through an IJGlobal award in 2024. The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development contributed US$40 million to the project's financing. Siemens will oversee the plant's operations and maintenance, while Shapoorji Pallonji is responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction contract. Construction commenced in August 2025, with contractual completion scheduled for the end of August 2027.
The Ministry's delegation was scheduled to undergo a safety induction before embarking on a guided tour of the construction site to observe ongoing activities, equipment, and infrastructure. The engagement forms part of the Ministry's efforts to strengthen workplace monitoring, promote decent employment, and ensure that major investments in Sierra Leone uphold workers' rights and safety standards.
The inspection highlights the importance of balancing the country's infrastructure and economic development ambitions with the protection and welfare of the people contributing to those projects. The Ministry's efforts aim to ensure that workers' rights and safety are prioritized in major investments, promoting a safe and decent working environment for all workers involved.
Key points
- The Sierra Leonean Labour Ministry inspected the 108.4MW NANTS Power Project to ensure workers' rights, safety, and welfare.
- The project promotes local participation and women's inclusion, with women accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the workforce.
- The project's financing structure received international recognition through an IJGlobal award in 2024.
