The Bank of Sierra Leone has announced an extension of the deadline for all financial institutions and fintech companies to fully integrate into the National Payments Switch.
In a press release issued on April 10, the bank stated that the new deadline is now set for June 30, 2025, extending the original date of March 31, 2025.
This extension is aimed at accommodating financial institutions and fintechs that were not ready to complete their integration by the initial deadline. All institutions are now required to route all domestic transactions through the National Switch to enhance the efficiency and security of payments in Sierra Leone.
The Bank of Sierra Leone has formally instructed all financial institutions and fintechs that have not yet joined the National Switch to engage with the National Switch Department to ensure complete integration into the system.
Additionally, the bank has confirmed that all existing bilateral arrangements between financial institutions and fintechs will remain permissible during the extended period from March 31 to June 30, 2025. By the end of this period, the Bank of Sierra Leone expects all institutions to be fully integrated into the National Payments Switch.
Committed to enhancing access to affordable, high-quality petroleum products across the country, the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited has commissioned a new filling station in Kamakwie, the district headquarters of Karene District.
The commissioning event, which attracted dignitaries from different sectors, took place on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
In his welcome address, the Regent Chief, Pa Alimami Camira Malay-Conteh, reaffirmed his commitment to working with the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited to ensure common understanding between the people and the company.
“When this work started, I didn’t think I would still be the regent chief today. However, I knew that it was going to be a development that will help to solve the fuel crisis in Kamakwie. As the regent chief, I will make sure I cement a great understanding between NP Sierra Leone and our people,” Pa Alimami Camira Malay-Conteh said.
Speaking at the momentous occasion that was warmly welcomed by residents of Kamakwie, Steven S. Lewis, the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist of the Karene District Council, said the “state-of-the-art” filling station is a milestone development that will not only ease the movement of people and goods but also minimize the fuel crisis in Kamakwie and its environs.
Alusine Kamara, the Chairman of the Karene District Bike Riders’ Union, expressed delight in the latest development undertaken by the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, emphasizing that it will curtail black-market dealings in times of fuel shortage in the country.
However, Kamara said there is a need for gas station attendants to uphold professionalism and avoid nepotism while attending to people, especially during situations that pose challenging moments for bike riders, as well as the general public.
Representing the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, Ing. Vandy Bockarie, the Sales Manager, said, “Fuel is the blood of every country’s economy. Its shortage impedes access to electricity, transportation, and hinders movement.”
Bockarie added that NP Sierra Leone has built an ultramodern filling station in Kamakwie to end the fuel crisis in the town and its environs.
“The CEO asked me to inform you that the long-term fuel crisis in this town and other places around has ended henceforth. That is why we have built the first ultramodern filling station in Karene District. It is one of its kind,” Ing. Vandy Bockarie said.
He further assured the residents of Kamakwie that there will be fair dealings between NP Sierra Leone Limited and its customers, noting that customers will be prioritized and respected since the company depends on them for its success.
The grand unveiling of the 54 thousand litres filling station climaxed a transformative moment in Kamakwie. Such nationwide interventions by the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited underscore its unwavering contributions to the petroleum sector and significantly promote socio-economic development in the country.
Responding to the devastating fire that ravaged the Female Hostel at the University of Makeni on the evening of April 15, 2024, Rokel Commercial Bank’s Management, led by Dr. Gilpin, has taken swift action to support the affected victims.
Under the guidance of Mr. Abubakarr Bah, Manager of the RCBank Makeni Branch, a team from Rokel Commercial Bank visited the university campus to offer assistance. The bank’s efforts included providing counseling services and immediate relief items such as foodstuff and cleaning supplies.
According to reports received by Rokel Commercial Bank’s PR Unit, the fire caused significant damage to properties within the hostel. However, there have been no reported casualties, offering a glimmer of relief amidst the tragedy.
The proactive response from Rokel Commercial Bank underscores its commitment to the community and its values of support and solidarity during challenging times.
As the affected individuals begin to rebuild their lives, the bank’s support serves as a beacon of hope and assistance in their recovery efforts.
Responding to the devastating fire that ravaged the Female Hostel at the University of Makeni on the evening of April 15, 2024, Rokel Commercial Bank’s Management, led by Dr. Gilpin, has taken swift action to support the affected victims.
Under the guidance of Mr. Abubakarr Bah, Manager of the RCBank Makeni Branch, a team from Rokel Commercial Bank visited the university campus to offer assistance. The bank’s efforts included providing counseling services and immediate relief items such as foodstuff and cleaning supplies.
According to reports received by Rokel Commercial Bank’s PR Unit, the fire caused significant damage to properties within the hostel. However, there have been no reported casualties, offering a glimmer of relief amidst the tragedy.
The proactive response from Rokel Commercial Bank underscores its commitment to the community and its values of support and solidarity during challenging times.
As the affected individuals begin to rebuild their lives, the bank’s support serves as a beacon of hope and assistance in their recovery efforts.
