By Amin Kef (Ranger)
NP (SL) Ltd, an indigenous leader in the importation and marketing of petroleum products, has cemented its reputation as a key player in Sierra Leone’s energy landscape. With an expansive reach that extends across West Africa, including branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia, NP (SL) continues to demonstrate a commitment to excellence, innovation and national development.
The company’s growth has been marked by strategic business decisions and a customer centered approach. Today, NP (SL) stands as a testament to what can be achieved through local entrepreneurship and effective management.
At the heart of NP (SL)’s operations is its dedication to ensuring the availability and accessibility of quality petroleum products across Sierra Leone. The company’s mission is driven by the goal of enhancing customer satisfaction, ensuring that residents across the country can easily access fuel without undue hardship. By positioning Filling Stations in strategic locations, even in hard-to-reach provincial areas, NP (SL) has effectively bridged the gap between rural and urban communities, ensuring a steady supply of fuel nationwide.
One of the cornerstones of NP (SL)’s success is its use of cutting-edge technology to enhance service delivery. The installation of sophisticated calibrated pumping machines at its stations guarantees that customers receive the exact amount of fuel they pay for, fostering trust and confidence. This commitment to transparency and accuracy has earned NP (SL) the accolade of “1st for Customer Care,” further solidifying its reputation as a customer-first company.
NP (SL) also prides itself on its policy of employing Sierra Leoneans at all levels of the company, from Filling Stations to the Head Office and Kissy Terminal. By prioritizing local employment and investing in training programs, the company not only creates jobs but also empowers its workforce, contributing to the country’s broader economic development. This alignment with the Government’s local content policy underscores NP (SL)’s role as a critical contributor to national progress.
In its drive to reduce carbon footprint, NP (SL) introduced an environmentally friendly product known as NP Gas. This innovative cooking solution, certified by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) as eco-friendly, has proven to be a highly efficient alternative to traditional cooking methods. With NP Gas cylinders available in different sizes and sold at various Filling Stations and authorized dealers, the product has become a household name for clean and reliable energy.
Leveraging technology to further enhance customer convenience, NP (SL) introduced the NP Smart Card, a digital payment solution that allows customers to purchase fuel without the need for physical cash. This card, equipped with an embedded chip, can be recharged for future fuel purchases, making it easier for users to manage their fuel budget and offering an added layer of security.
In line with its continuous innovation, NP (SL) has taken a major leap forward with the launch of the NP Energy Pass. This advanced smart card represents a significant milestone in the company’s modernization efforts. The NP Energy Pass not only facilitates cashless transactions at Filling Stations across the country but also enhances energy management for users. Equipped with state-of-the-art security features, the card offers instant SMS notifications for every transaction and if a card is blocked due to incorrect password attempts, an OTP (One-Time Password) is sent to the user for swift recovery.
The NP Energy Pass is accepted at multiple locations, including Cotton Tree, Campbell Street, Brookfields, Pademba Road and other major areas in Freetown and beyond. This innovative solution underscores NP (SL)’s commitment to making energy products more accessible and convenient for all.
In addition to its technological advancements, NP (SL) has unveiled mobile fuel tanks designed to streamline refueling operations. These 10,000-liter tanks, housed in containers and equipped with advanced safety and dispensing technology, offer mobile refueling capabilities, ensuring fuel is readily available where needed. The tanks feature explosion-proof technology, flow meters and fire suppression mechanisms, guaranteeing both safety and efficiency.
As a responsible corporate citizen, NP (SL) has consistently supported social initiatives, contributing to the development of Sierra Leone beyond the energy sector. The company has invested in promoting the sport of squash in secondary schools and colleges, financed the construction of a Burns Unit at Connaught Hospital and supported educational initiatives, including the recent donation of essential school materials to the Children Academic Investment Foundation (CAIF) closer to its Kissy Terminal for underprivileged children.
NP (SL) is also one of the largest taxpayers to the National Revenue Authority (NRA), contributing significant revenue to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which supports various Government development projects.
Continuing to lead the petroleum sector in Sierra Leone, NP (SL)’s commitment to innovation, customer care and national development remains indisputable. The company’s trajectory is one of progress and its contributions to the country’s economic and social fabric are remarkable.
