By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Chief Executive Officer of NP (SL) Limited, Saidu Mansaray, has taken the stage at the 11th West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) Trade Ministers’ Forum on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown, presenting the company’s rich legacy and significant role in Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development.
In his address, Saidu Mansaray highlighted NP’s evolution from its establishment in 1954 during the British Petroleum era to its current status as one of Sierra Leone’s leading petroleum marketing companies, commanding an impressive 52% market share.
“NP (SL) Limited stands as a testament to resilience and innovation, being among the oldest businesses in Sierra Leone,” Saidu Mansaray stated. He further emphasized the company’s robust market presence and contribution to the nation’s economy, underscoring its role as one of the country’s most capitalized entities and a top taxpayer.
Saidu Mansaray revealed that NP operates 18 retail outlets in Freetown and over 19 in the provinces, supported by more than 200 independent distributors and satellite stations. He also noted that the company owns the largest fuel storage facility in collaboration with suppliers, ensuring a steady and reliable supply of petroleum products nationwide.
In addition to its stronghold in Sierra Leone, NP has expanded its footprint across West Africa, establishing operations in Liberia, Guinea, The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire.
“Our presence in these five countries reflects our commitment to regional integration and economic growth,” Saidu Mansaray said.
The CEO attributed NP’s success to its vibrant management team, which includes professionals with decades of experience in the petroleum industry. This, he said, enables the company to maintain high standards and drive innovation in service delivery.
Addressing the forum on the topic of regional trade, he outlined significant challenges faced by businesses operating across borders. These include entry restrictions, high taxes, cultural barriers and immigration hurdles, which he described as impediments to fostering seamless trade within the region.
Saidu Mansaray concluded by reiterating NP’s role as a key player in Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development. “We are deeply committed to ensuring fuel accessibility and contributing to the nation’s progress,” he affirmed.
The forum, attended by Trade Ministers, business leaders and policymakers from across the region, provided an important platform for NP (SL) Limited to showcase its achievements and advocate for improved trade policies within the WAMZ.
In another development NP (SL) collaborated with a Non-Governmental Organization, Patriots Against Corruption SL (PAC-SL) to commemorate the National Public Speaking Festival Volume 4, on the theme: “Combating and Drugs in the Education Sector”. The auspicious event was held on Thursday 5th December, 2024 at the Limkokwing Auditorium on Hill Station in Freetown.
The event was graced by students from various schools and Universities in the country. Fourteen schools and four universities participated in the debating competition.
It must be noted that the festival was initiated by the Patriots Against Corruption SL (PAC-SL) with support from NP(SL) in 2021 to empower young people through the skill of public speaking, recognizing the gap between graduates’ academic achievements and their public speaking abilities in professional settings.
Delivering the keynote address at the event, the representative of the CEO of NP (SL), Dr. Williette James, the institution’s Communications Manager said the partnership between NP (SL) and Patriots Against Corruption, for the event’s Volume 4, symbolizes a shared commitment to combating corruption and drug abuse in the education sector. She expressed NP(SL)’s gratitude to PAC-SL for their advocacy for transparency and accountability in public life.
Dr. Williette James discussed the importance of the education sector in shaping future leaders, innovators and change-makers. She described corruption in education as undermining individual potential and the foundations of collective progress.
“Funds meant for school infrastructure, teacher salaries and learning materials often disappear due to corruption. Students and parents are sometimes forced to pay bribes for grades, admissions or scholarships, depriving youth of opportunities and weakening their belief in a fair society.” Dr. Williette James said.
She also addressed the direct threat posed by drug abuse to the health, safety and academic success of students. According to her, drug abuse disrupts learning environments, fuels violence and creates a cycle of dependency.
“Many young people begin drug abuse as an escape from life’s pressures, leading to addiction. The combination of corruption and drug abuse creates a toxic environment where dreams are lost.” Dr Willette James asserted.
According to her to tackle corruption in education, transparency in resource management, admissions and grading must be enhanced through audits and digital systems.
“Empowering students and teachers to report corruption safely and fostering a culture of integrity through ethics education are crucial,” she furthered.
For addressing drug abuse, she suggested, schools should provide preventive education, access to counseling and rehabilitation services. She continued that strengthening community partnerships with parents, law enforcement and leaders will create safer, drug-free environments. These combined efforts, she underscored, can transform education into a fair and supportive system.
She ended stating that the festival celebrates solutions and the transformative power of public speaking. “Young speakers, your voices matter, your ideas and passion can challenge norms, inspire action and drive change. You are the change-makers shaping a better today and tomorrow” Dr. Williette James inspired.
