As part of its ongoing oversight visits, the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Food Security, chaired by Hon. Sallieu Osman Sesay, on Thursday, 9th October 2025, visited two major agribusiness operations: Pee Cee and Sons Onion Farm in Lokomasama, Port Loko District, and Sunbird Bioenergy in Bombali District.
The purpose of the visit was to ensure how these companies are working in line with the government’s agenda relating to its feed salone initiative, and also to do a follow-up on agreements that were ratified by the Parliament of Sierra Leone mainly for compliance with established rules and regulations.
At the Pee Cee and Sons Onion Farm in Lungi, Environmental and Social Security Manager, Mr. Emmanuel Tamba Koroma updated the committee on the farm’s operations. He stated that the company is currently cultivating approximately 120 hectares of onions and had employed around 250 staff, mostly from the local community.
Mr. Koroma emphasized that health, safety, and community engagements are top priorities for the company. He also informed the committee of the farm’s successful harvests and distribution of onions within Sierra Leone. Looking ahead, he assured that the company had plans to expand its farming area by an additional 100 hectares.
Regarding corporate social responsibility, he noted that Pee Cee and Sons had made significant contributions, particularly in the health sector, and had supported youth development initiatives in the community.
In Bombali District, the committee held discussions with the management officials of Sunbird Bioenergy, focusing on the company’s compliance with national regulations.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Sallieu Osman Sesay commended the company for creating employment opportunities and contributing to national revenue through tax payments. However, he reminded management that Parliament retains the authority to conduct oversight and investigate the operations of private sector entities. He cautioned the company’s representatives to maintain transparency and honesty, particularly when speaking under oath.
During the tour of the Sunbird facility, committee members expressed concerns on safety measures on-site. The committee was notably displeased with the company’s apparent lack of adherence to safety protocols.
As a result, the committee admonished Sunbird Bioenergy officials to comply with safety measures and ensure that surface rent payment, benefit of retired staff, NASSIT contributions, tax payment to NRA, and work permits for foreign workers are adhered to for effective management within the framework of the law.
