By Amin Kef Sesay
This medium conducted an intensive random survey for close to two weeks targeting a large percentage of customers of the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) with the avowed objective of sounding their views on the operations of the company in the country. The methodology utilized bordered on asking random questions in order to get their candid views.
When quizzed on how they view the way the company treats its numerous customers across the country, most of the respondents warmly reacted by stating that the Shareholders and Management of the company are doing extremely well in the directions of effective service delivery and giving utmost satisfaction to customers.
Abdul Aziz Koroma, a renowned Social Commentator maintained that when it comes to customer care, NP-SL Ltd is second to none within the business landscape of this country.
“From what I so far learnt in order to conduct sales in a very transparent manner and to give customers their money’s worth, the Shareholders of the company decided to procure and install modern calibrated pumping machines at their various Filling Stations that are capable to pump the exact quantity of fuel, at the same time display the price and quantity,” he pointed out adding that to even think that the pump attendants are cheating customers could only be a mere figment of one’s imagination as anything like that is farfetched.
A Development Specialist of long standing intimated that for the country’s economy to grow sustainably it is but important to deepen local content further arguing that it is only when we make meaningful use of both our human and natural resources that development could transpire.
“Instead of depending on the importation of certain consumable items and foreign expatriates it is but very significant and cost effective to make use of what we have at hand to produce goods and services,” Andrew Soluku, an Economist averred, also stating that for NP-SL Ltd to make it a laid down policy and put into practice to offer employment exclusively to Sierra Leoneans is indeed laudable and no mean feat.
He further underscored that by offering jobs to Sierra Leoneans is a way of empowering the citizenry to take care of daily responsibilities and live improved standards of living.
“I really doff my hat to the Shareholders of the company for actualizing such a high sense of patriotism,” he expressed admiration.
A vast majority of those interviewed revealed that they are using NP Gas for cooking purpose maintaining that it is very efficient and environmentally friendly. The NP Gas that they referred to is a cooking device which is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and sold at affordable prices at the company’s Filling Stations. “I discovered that this device is very fast in terms of performance and is now going like hot cakes as many are now going for it especially when the gas that is used to refill it could be easily secured at various Filling Stations ,” Memunatu Forna, a business woman selling cooking utensils on Sani Abacha Street informed.
With regards the use of NP Smart Card it is one that is now in vogue .Some personalities who are using it said they find it very useful and a convenient way of purchasing petroleum products. They added that they always ensure their NP Smart Cards are credited to be used to purchase fuel, be it petrol or diesel. “Sometimes I don’t have to go through the hassle of going to the Bank on a busy Friday afternoon to withdraw cash just for the purpose of purchasing fuel that will last throughout the weekend. I do procure petrol by using my Smart Card and it is working perfectly well,” Musa Kalokoh, an Engineer told one of our reporters.
Momodu Fofana stated that the company is really growing by leaps and bounds. “For NP-SL Ltd to successfully establish branches in neighboring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia is indeed no mean feat especially when cognizance is taken of the fact that these branches are operating vibrantly,” he pointed out.
From what was so far gathered throughout the conducted random survey it can be safely concluded that NP-SL Ltd is indeed a living testimony of a successful and thriving business entity that is contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the nation and worthy of emulation.
