Freetown, Sierra Leone – 28 May 2026 – The National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA) has issued a formal press release reminding the public and prospective investors of the strict guidelines governing the construction of gas stations across Sierra Leone, while reiterating that a nationwide moratorium on new constructions remains firmly in place.
In the press release dated today, the NPRA stated that it is currently conducting a comprehensive nationwide compliance assessment to ensure that existing and future gas stations maintain adequate safety distances from sensitive public facilities, including residential areas, schools, religious sites, healthcare centres, swamps, right-of-ways, and entertainment venues.
“No permit will be granted during this period,” the Authority warned, adding that any breach of the moratorium will be treated as illegal and subject to proportionate sanctions.
Key Land and Site Requirements
The NPRA outlined comprehensive land conditions that must be met before any construction can be considered:
– Minimum land size: 3 town plots (1,045 square metres or 0.2500 acres) with clear legal title (lease or freehold).
– The site must be flat or gently sloped and free from swamps or reclaimed land.
– Sites must be located at least 100 metres away from roundabouts, junctions, or curves.
– Minimum road frontage of 120 feet.
– Must maintain a safe distance (at least 20 metres) from pipelines, high-voltage power lines, transformers, welding workshops, or right-of-ways.
– No more than four gas stations allowed within a 2 km stretch of road (with at least 500 metres separation between stations).
– A clear minimum distance of 30 metres from public facilities such as residential buildings, schools, mosques/churches, hospitals, and entertainment centres.
– Proper drainage systems that do not empty into streams or rivers.
– The land must be properly demarcated and separated from surrounding structures.
Regulatory and Documentation Requirements
Applicants must also fulfil several business and technical requirements, including:
– Certificate of Business Registration from the Administrator & Registrar General or Corporate Affairs Commission.
– Valid permits/clearances from the Ministry of Works & Public Assets, Ministry of Labour & Social Security, Environmental Protection Agency, and, where applicable, the National Disaster Management Agency.
– Survey and land documents from the Ministry of Lands & Country Planning.
– Architectural and engineering design drawings of the proposed gas station.
Application Process: Interested parties must submit a formal Letter of Intent to the Director General of the NPRA at the British Council Building, Tower Hill, Freetown, along with all supporting documents for verification.
The Authority emphasised that the current nationwide moratorium, which has been in effect since March 2026, will remain until the completion and release of the ongoing compliance assessment report.
The NPRA described the guidelines as critical for public safety, environmental protection, and orderly development of the petroleum retail sector in the country.
Stakeholders and potential investors have been advised to strictly adhere to these directives and await further communication from the Authority regarding the lifting of the moratorium.
For more information, contact the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority on the 1st & 2nd Floor, British Council Building, Tower Hill, Freetown.
