By Amin Kef Sesay
The National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) which was established several years ago has now become a household name in this country. The company is held in high esteem for importing and marketing high grade petroleum products that have been internationally and locally tested and certified as fit for public consumption. The consistent and steadfast commitment to import and retail these petroleum products including petrol, diesel, gas ,lubricants one of which is the highly reliable Castrol Oil, known for the effective lubrication of all types of motor engine, have earned the petroleum business entity respect in and out of the country.
The company is indeed one of the most successful indigenous companies  especially when consideration is given to the fact that this entity has not only stood the test of time but has tremendously grown to become a very towering entity with branches in the West African sub-region in countries like Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
One major accomplishment which the company has made to a large extent is maximizing customer care which is why it has bagged the accolade of 1st for Customer Care. NP-SL is renowned for providing its esteemed and cherished customers, right across the country, with rapt and efficient attention by always ensuring that their petroleum needs are well met, encompassing timely delivery of petroleum products in all parts of the country where the company has Filling Stations. With all its tankers that convey fuel always intact due to regular maintenance, petroleum products are always available for customers to access.
Accessing fuel at any of the company’s Filling Station is always a pleasure because the shareholders and Management ensured that modern calibrated pumping machines were installed. These calibrated pumping machines are designed in such a way that they are capable of giving out the exact quantity of fuel that an individual puts in for. The machines display the quantity in terms of litres and at the same time the prices. Because of the transparent transactions at these Filling Stations, customers have expressed satisfaction that they are  deriving value for money.
At these Filling Stations, there are safety rules and regulations meant for the attention of the members of the general public. Some of these rules include the prohibition of the use of cell phones, to avoid making use of naked fire flames, to turn off vehicle engines whilst fuel is pumped, avoid smoking etc. The reason for doing so is to ensure that there are no serious incidences of fire disasters. It is against such a backdrop that there are always fire extinguishers at the Filling Stations to respond to fire accidents. Besides, adhering to best practice the petroleum company truly demonstrates that it cares for its customers and non-customers alike which is why it thought it fit to put everyone on its guard.
The NP management is very keen on prioritizing customer care, which is why it is keen to know about their reactions as well as to listen to various concerns raised and always be in a position to address them.
When cognisance is taken of the fact that Governments need revenue to finance development projects it is important to find the sources of generating such.
NP, as a company, is one of the biggest taxpayers to the Government. Its Management always makes it a point of duty to timely pay taxes and despite battling with existing and unforeseeable challenges, there has never been an instance when it has been coerced to do so.
Many have praised NP for making available cookers popularly known as NP Gas, which is safe for cooking purposes. These NP Gas cookers are sold at reasonable prices and could be procured in all their filling stations as well as from authorized dealers. At a time like this when it has been recognized that it is advisable, for health reasons, to avoid using firewood or charcoal for cooking purposes the best option could be NP Gas, which is hygienic, clean and quick.
Talking about effective implementation of Local Content Policy, NP-SL stands tall, as it is truly the only 100% indigenous company that employs 100% Sierra Leoneans as workers. The company gives preference to employing Sierra Leoneans, which is a clear indication that it adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy, as utilizing local talents makes it possible for indigenes to acquire useful knowledge and skills through various training programs.
It is important to know that the company the company has introduced the use of smart card to procure fuel at Filling Stations. With the NP Smart Card a customer can secure fuel without exchanging physical cash as long as it is loaded (credited) with money. The biggest advantage is that it enhances personal security, cannot be easily robbed in a queue and saves time that will be used to rush to the bank to make withdrawals for the purpose of purchasing fuel.
There could be no doubt to authoritatively state that NP-SL Ltd. is doing exceptionally well in all the countries it is functioning in terms of effective service delivery.
Without mincing the truth, NP-SL Ltd stands tall within the business landscape in and out of the country, growing stronger and stronger every day.
