By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
NP (SL) Limited has commissioned its newly upgraded Kissy Bye Pass Fuel Station in the eastern part of Freetown, reaffirming the company’s commitment to strengthening service delivery, expanding infrastructure and modernizing fuel access across Sierra Leone.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Friday, 15 May 2026, attracted representatives from the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police, transport unions including Okada and Kekeh riders, as well as residents of the Kissy community.
Following an extensive modernization process, the station has officially resumed operations with improved infrastructure aimed at enhancing efficiency, safety standards and customer convenience for both motorists and commercial bike riders.
Speaking during the reopening ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of NP (SL) Limited, Dr. Ing. Mohamed S. Kanu, described the commissioning of the station as a proud moment for the company, noting that the redevelopment forms part of NP(SL)’s broader strategy to improve domestic fuel infrastructure while maintaining its growing regional footprint.
“Today is one of my happiest days at NP (SL). In my fifteen years with the Company, this is the first time I am witnessing the opening of an NP station in Sierra Leone, having previously opened stations in Guinea, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia,” Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu stated.
He emphasized that NP(SL) remains a uniquely Sierra Leonean company that continues to invest in national development while empowering local professionals to manage and sustain its operations. According to him, the company has maintained a strong and recognizable brand identity across all countries where it operates, reflecting consistency, reliability and operational excellence.
Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu further disclosed that the reconstruction of the Kissy Bye Pass Fuel Station became necessary after earlier designs failed to meet the company’s operational and safety standards. He explained that the upgraded facility was redesigned with emphasis on durability, efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation, Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu underscored NP(SL)’s continued efforts to modernize fuel purchasing systems through digital solutions aimed at improving transparency, accessibility and convenience for customers.
He referenced the NP Card System, which simplifies fuel purchases through secure and transparent digital transactions and the NP Wallet System, an innovative mobile-based platform allowing customers to purchase fuel on credit using access codes.
The CEO also spoke about the company’s dealership model noting that it is designed to expand participation in the petroleum retail sector while creating business opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.
Encouraging transport operators to support the company, Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu urged commercial bike and kekeh riders to patronize NP stations as part of contributing to national development. He stressed that increased support would further strengthen the company’s ability to expand operations nationwide.
Addressing concerns around operational safety, he disclosed that previous water supply challenges that affected emergency fire response have now been addressed through improved infrastructure investments, including the establishment of Sierra Leone’s first modern Burns Unit at Connaught Hospital.
Adding to the occasion, NP (SL) Sales Manager, Manso Augustine Kamara, emphasized the company’s long-standing slogan, “Every Litre Counts,” noting that customer patronage directly contributes to national transformation.
Addressing riders and transport stakeholders, he stated that every litre purchased at NP stations supports meaningful social investments undertaken by the company.
He highlighted several Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives funded through customer support, including the construction of Sierra Leone’s first Burns Unit at Connaught Hospital, borehole facilities for the National Fire Force and Independent Secondary School Kissy, as well as squash facilities in schools and certain institutions nationwide.
Dr. Mohamed S. Kamara assured customers of excellent service delivery at the newly upgraded Kissy Bye Pass Fuel Station and reiterated NP(SL)’s resolve to continue modernizing fuel purchasing systems to guarantee greater convenience and transparency.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Dr. Brima Baluwa Koroma, commended NP(SL) for what he described as its leadership role in Sierra Leone’s downstream petroleum sector.
“NP (SL) is the biological child of Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector,” he remarked, noting that the company has expanded operations into remote communities, including Kakuna in Kabala District and other underserved locations where fuel stations were previously unavailable.
He further praised NP(SL) for maintaining fuel availability during difficult times and described the company as a significant contributor to Government revenue through sustained investment and compliance with industry standards.
Operations Manager of NP-SL, Ing. Vandi Bockarie, disclosed that the upgraded facility has significantly expanded capacity, transitioning from a station that previously served only two vehicles at a time to one capable of handling multiple vehicles simultaneously.
He explained that the station now features digital fuel pumps to ensure accurate fuel measurement and a card-based transaction system to improve service efficiency. He also revealed plans to double the station’s tank capacity to guarantee stable fuel supply for communities along Kissy Bye Pass and Black Hall Road.
Ing. Vandi Bockarie further emphasized that the redevelopment has created employment opportunities for residents of the local community while strengthening operational safety in what he described as a high-risk environment requiring strict adherence to fire safety measures.
Representatives from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, the Sierra Leone Police and community stakeholders welcomed the reopening of the facility, assuring continued support toward making the NP Kissy Bye Pass Fuel Station one of the most reliable fuel service points in the eastern part of Freetown.
The redevelopment forms part of NP (SL) Limited’s broader infrastructure expansion agenda aimed at strengthening fuel distribution capacity and improving customer service nationwide.
