By Amin Kef Sesay
For the growth of any institution, the willpower to expand should be one of its priorities and in that regard, the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited is an embodiment of that will. The establishment of various stations across the country and beyond, in the West African sub-region, is a testimony of this savvy business initiative, an integral component in any form of business venture.
This determination to break new ground and venture where others have not is a quality that is innate in NP-SL. As an indigenously owned petroleum company, it has not been afraid to take the risks and which indeed is paying dividends and has earned it the respect of many Sierra Leoneans. Everywhere the company goes it takes along qualitative service delivery, effectively changing the dynamics of accessing petroleum products.
Also believing in breaking new grounds has been the driving force behind its expansion drive beyond Freetown, much to the delight of many. The company demonstrated it recently with the opening of a new branch within the Port Loko district, to be precise at Kamen Village named by the dealers, David & Adama Gas Station.
Such moves on the part of the Management and well-meaning entrepreneurs make accessibility and affordability of petroleum products become increasingly possible.
Formed by 35 Sierra Leoneans, who dared to plough their end of service benefits into instituting the company, NP-SL Ltd is today the leading oil marketing company in the sub-region. This example, if emulated by certain business entities.
The rippling effect of making petroleum products available in different parts of the country ensures the timely transportation of goods and services across the country, thereby encouraging more businesses to flourish and eventually create the avenue for the mobilization of revenue for the Government.
To make the service easily accessible to everybody, NP-SL has introduced the NP Smart Card, which enables organisations and individuals to purchase fuel at ease. With money in the NP Smart Card there is no need to move with cash for the purpose of purchasing fuel as the owner only needs to state the quantity of fuel he or she wants and the magic is worked. It is a secure and safe way of conducting transactions.
NP has grown to become one of the most successful indigenously owned companies in this country. Because of its effective management style, the company successfully established branches in Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia and The Gambia.
It must be noted that a main reason why this indigenous company is making exceptional inroads is simply because customer care is always taken paramount; always ensuring that customer satisfaction is prioritized. The company truly deserves commendation in that direction.
With well-motivated members of staff who know how to efficiently treat customers, NP has become very endearing to many.
It has been established that using charcoal and wood for cooking purposes poses health hazards and depletion of our forests. Against such a backdrop many have commended the company for making it possible to get access to NP gas cookers, which are indeed safe and friendly for domestic use. Gas is as well available at the company\s filling stations which residents in these five West African countries can purchase at affordable prices.
NP Limited has truly made Sierra Leone proud as it continues to fly the Green, White and Blue high in West Africa with a story of how we can change the narrative in operating an indigenous business.
