By: Kemo Kanyi
The Gambia has recorded a major milestone in its energy sector with the inauguration of the country’s first petroleum testing laboratory, a facility established by Owl Surveillance Services to enhance fuel quality control, protect consumers, and strengthen environmental safety.
The new state-of-the-art laboratory is expected to reduce The Gambia’s long-standing reliance on Senegal for petroleum product testing, a process that previously caused delays and increased operational costs for importers and regulators.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the circulation of substandard fuel in the country, which has reportedly led to vehicle damage and raised safety concerns, including suspected links to recent vehicle fire incidents. Lawmakers in the National Assembly had earlier raised concerns with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) over the absence of a local testing facility.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Founder of Owl Surveillance Services, petroleum expert Lamin Gassama, said the initiative responds directly to national demand and public safety concerns.
“We listened, worked tirelessly, and delivered. This lab is for the people of The Gambia,” Gassama said.
He explained that The Gambia’s position as one of the last ports of discharge due to draft restrictions exposes the country to risks of fuel contamination, noting that vessels may occasionally offload residual petroleum products into local storage systems, affecting fuel quality.
Gassama added that the facility will complement the work of depot operators and PURA by enabling rapid detection of contaminants and ensuring petroleum products meet international standards before reaching consumers.
Equipped with modern testing technology and staffed by trained professionals, the laboratory is expected to strengthen the country’s petroleum regulatory framework and improve compliance monitoring across the sector.
The initiative has received support from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, PURA, and the Gambia Standards Bureau, reflecting a coordinated effort to enhance the integrity of the national fuel supply chain.
Gassama also expressed appreciation to his mentor, Mr. Lang K. Konteh, as well as to President Adama Barrow and the Government of The Gambia for their support toward the initiative.
The inauguration is expected to improve public safety, boost confidence in the petroleum sector, and contribute to broader economic development.
With the commissioning of the facility, The Gambia takes a significant step toward greater self-reliance and stronger oversight in its energy sector.
