The Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Food Security has raised serious safety concerns at Sunbird Bioenergy during a recent oversight visit to the company’s operations in Bombali District.
The committee, chaired by Hon. Sallieu Osman Sesay, expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as a lack of adherence to basic safety protocols observed on-site.
During a tour of the facility on Thursday, 9th October 2025, members of the committee pointed out visible lapses in occupational safety and questioned the company’s commitment to worker welfare and regulatory compliance.
The lawmakers admonished Sunbird Bioenergy officials to address these gaps urgently and ensure compliance with other key obligations, including payment of surface rent, staff retirement benefits, NASSIT contributions, taxes to the National Revenue Authority (NRA), and the regularization of work permits for foreign staff.
Chairman Hon. Sallieu Osman Sesay, while commending Sunbird for its job creation and tax contributions, reminded the company that Parliament has the constitutional authority to conduct oversight and demand transparency. “We expect full cooperation from companies, especially when we are fulfilling our duty to the people,” he stated.
Earlier in the day, the committee also visited the Pee Cee and Sons Onion Farm in Lokomasama Chiefdom, Port Loko District, as part of its nationwide oversight to monitor alignment with the government’s Feed Salone initiative and verify compliance with agreements ratified by Parliament.
At the farm, Environmental and Social Security Manager Emmanuel Tamba Koroma briefed the committee on current operations. He noted that Pee Cee is cultivating around 120 hectares of onions and has employed approximately 250 workers, mostly drawn from the local community.
Mr. Koroma emphasized that health, safety, and community engagement are central to the company’s mission and reported successful onion harvests and distribution within Sierra Leone.
He also highlighted the company’s contributions under its corporate social responsibility portfolio, particularly in healthcare support and youth empowerment. Looking ahead, Pee Cee and Sons plans to expand its operations by an additional 100 hectares.
The oversight visit is part of the committee’s ongoing efforts to ensure that agricultural investments in Sierra Leone contribute effectively to national food security, economic development, and respect for the rule of law.
