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Sierra Leone News: NP-SL Keeps Forging Ahead Amidst Teething Challenges

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited

The National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited is indeed striving amidst challenging times to give optimal satisfaction to its esteemed customers in all the places it is providing services. Many, whom this medium talked with, frankly intimated that they are very much appreciative of the quality services that they do receive whenever they interface with the company.

1st in terms of customer care, the Management of NP is very mindful of the fact that giving maximum attention to customers is very key to its viability. This is all the more reason why NP has become so endearing to many countrywide.

It has gone down the annals of history that the company is impressively one of the most successful indigenous entities that sustainably forged ahead when others collapsed for a variety of reasons.

A marked reality of the company’s viability is evident in its opening of branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, The Gambia and in all of those places providing qualitative customer care services to residents has become a prime priority.

NP has been meaningfully contributing to economic growth through payment of taxes and rolling out meaningful interventions in the discharge of Corporate Social Responsibility that are transforming lives and improving communities.

The company always ensures that petroleum products are always available and such has been preventing shortages that could create shocks in many quarters. The level of confidence which overseas business partners have reposed in the company has made it possible for entering into payment agreements thereby keeping the demand and supply chain open and running.

The company has gained reputation for offering different jobs to Sierra Leoneans throughout the country where it is operating and this has helped in improving standards of living.

NP-SL gives preference to Sierra Leoneans with regards offering jobs, a clear indication that it is strictly poised towards adherence to the country’s Local Content Policy.

Utilizing local talents makes it possible for indigenes to imbibe useful knowledge and skills through training exercises that could be applicable in other places.

The company has one of the best cooking gadgets, known as NP Gas that offers suitability for cooking purposes. There are different sizes and they could be found at all the filling stations of the company and also accessed from agents.

In this digital age, moving away from the traditional way of transacting business has now become the norm. It is along such a line that it was thought wise on the part of the shareholders and Management to introduce the use of smart cards. With these cards, customers can procure petroleum products of whatever quantity they do desire.

“Using NP smart card always makes transactions very easy and convenient for me,” Gibril Koroma, an engineer informed.

For its solid service delivery to its numerous esteemed customers right across the country, the company over the years, has gained widespread recognition and admiration evident in bagging awards from different organisations.

The latest was being awarded “Best Company of the Year” on 6th July 2019 during the National Business Award 2018/2019.

NP is really around for business though there are challenges to be overcome.

 

 

 

Sierra Leone News: The Die is Cast… New SLAJ Executive Emerges

Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) new executive

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) held its Triennial General Meeting at the Golden Tulip Hotel at Aberdeen in the West End of Freetown with the theme ‘Social media and the Future of Journalism in Sierra Leone’ from the 12th July to 13th July 2019 .

On the last day of the meeting, an election was conducted during which paid up SLAJ members from all over the country cast their votes for the candidates of their choice.

The atmosphere was highly charged and the moment was tense as journalists lined up to vote but impressively the whole process was very peaceful as there was no iota of violence that marred the elections.

There was a lot of fun, last minute campaigns were taking place right there on the ground, as journalists were seen cracking jokes, throwing taunts were as some were standing in small circles guessing, within the context of predicting the outcome of the election.

SLAJ has over the years turned out to be a very formidable pressure group which is always at the forefront to agitate for social justice, equality, widening of the political space, gender parity among a host of others.

It is for the simple fact that being the gatekeeper Governments have considered the Fourth Estate to be a force to reckon with.

The Fourth Estate plays key roles in the areas of informing, educating and entertaining the populace on important issues ranging from politics, economics, social matters, the environment and other areas.

Today, the social media has become very popular and now an accessible platform to capture a variety of news items but the only snag is that some individuals are misusing it to cause mischief.

The media can influence change in society but journalists must act professionally while practicing the trade in order to avoid defaming unassuming individuals. This is why it is of essence for the creation of opportunities for journalists to be taken through training programs in order to avail them the leeway to imbibe basic skills and techniques to perform professionally.

The New SLAJ Executive; Ahmed Sahid Nasralla aka De Monk (President) defeated his opponent Mustapha Sesay in the Presidential election (253 Votes), Esther Kine Kargbo is now Vice President thrashing Ahmed Sheriff (186 Votes), Asmieu Bah was duly elected as the new SLAJ Secretary General defeating Elias Bangura (196 Votes), Alhaji Manika Kamara – uncontested SLAJ Assistant Secretary General, Fatmata Jalloh SLAJ Financial Secretary, Abubakar Singateh Jalloh SLAJ Organising Secretary – uncontested and Princess Gibson – uncontested SLAJ Public Relations Officer.


The newly elected President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla (De Monk) has promised to be President for all SLAJ members and not a faction of the association.

He made this statement while delivering his victory speech at the just concluded SLAJ Presidential Elections at Golden Tulip in Freetown.

President Nasralla secured 253 votes beating Mustapha Sesay who polled 69. Political Analysts described this as a ‘Tsunami’ for the minority.

“Thank you all for voting me as your president for the next three years. I assure you I will not disappoint this confidence you have reposed in me”, the President noted.

“For those who do not have that confidence in me, I say thank you also. I assure you I will surprise you. I now have your mandate. I will be president for all SLAJ members, not a SLAJ faction”.

He congratulated his colleague candidate, Mustapha M K Sesay for sparring with him in this contest in a civil manner. President Nasralla ended by thanking the Kelvin Lewis Executive.

After the jubilation, celebrations die down it is expected that this new SLAJ Executive will positively champion the interests of journalists and solidly address burning issues one of which borders on welfare and repeal of Part V of the 1965 Public Order Act that criminalizes libel and sedition.

Sierra Leone News: SLAJ Gears up for a New Executive

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla alias D-Monk and Mustapha Sesay

I wanted to keep my mouth shut on this year’s Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) elections due to the unpalatable outcomes of the last election but was prompted this time round to express my views bordering on the reactions of journalists during the 10 July 2019 SLAJ Debate at the British Council, organized by the Sierra Leone Reporters Union.

Saturday July 13,2019 is indeed going to be a turning point in the history of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) as the organisation will be holding its Triennial General Meeting during which an election will be held to have in place a New Executive body. Campaigning by the various aspirants vying for different positions has now reached fever pitch as the aspiring candidates and teams are doing so openly since the official period for campaign was announced.

There are three positions which are keenly contested and these include the Presidency, Vice Presidency and that for the Secretary-General. For the SLAJ Presidency the race is between Ahmed Sahid Nasralla alias D-Monk and Mustapha Sesay, Esther K Kargbo and Ahmed Sheriff will be battling for the Vice Presidency while Elias Bangura and Asmieu Bah are locking horns for the Secretary General position. The stage is now set and the battle is getting hotter and hotter.

Indeed, it had been historically justified that human behaviour is tailored by past experiences and this particular trend has featured prominently in this year’s pre-election campaign period. Put into proper perspective, the level of hatred and acrimony that characterised the past SLAJ election was so profound to such an extent that in its wake it led to bitterness, cracks and worst of all victimization by allegedly the winning side leaving some to lose interest in continuing to be members of SLAJ.

It is this fear of victimization from the new Executive that will emerge for not being by their side which has been responsible for some journalists to shy away from openly declaring their support for the aspiring candidates. To make it more appropriate, some are fearing that if they openly show support for D-Monk and it happens that he defeats his opponent then at the end of the day they could be punished any time they are summoned to appear before the Independent Media Commission (IMC) of which Mustapha Sesay is a Commissioner and member of its Complaints Committee. The same thread runs through bordering on if one was not supporting the side that will win he or she will either be left in the cold in times of distress, need of attention or deprived of certain opportunities.

It is no hidden secret that when Stanley Bangura and Kelvin Lewis were battling for the SLAJ Presidential position there was a well-known social group among some journalists known as FFF which was throwing its weight behind Stanley. That election was one of the liveliest elections in the history of SLAJ, full of fun and camaraderie. Guess what! When Kelvin was declared the winner and a new Executive emerged it became noticeable that this vibrant FFF group became dormant and so it is today.

There was also an instance when after the elections some journalists who were members of the SLAJ Whatsapp group were deleted from the group for no obvious reason(s). They never violated any of the rules and regulations only that their only crime was having supported a particular candidate. I was actually a victim of that ugly chapter or episode.

Of course, both of the Presidential aspirants, during the launch of their manifestoes openly said they are in support of peace and unity to move the association forward. Besides, the election is going to be by secret ballot and so some journalists are reserving their choices until polling day. Interestingly, a friend of mine said he will support Mustapha in the open and vote for Monk secretly on polling day.

Some have predicted that this year’s election will be democratic but the crux of the matter is that the usual fanfare, jokes and fun that were marked features of SLAJ elections have all flown out of the window. This year’s is one that has turned out to be a cold electioneering period.

One distinct thing, however, that has so far surfaced is that between the two aspiring Presidential aspirants Mustapha Sesay appears, from his utterances so far, to be very vindictive. He is on record for calling names of journalists whom he referred to as having soiled the association in one way or the other instead of leaving sleeping dogs lie. His approach in trying to woo support, during the debate that was organized by the SLRU, has been lambasted by many saying that he failed to concentrate on the main issues and instead attempted to attack the personality of his opponent. “He did the same when he was interviewed by Radio Democracy FM 98.1 on the same day and had been doing so since he declared his intention to vie for the position,” a colleague seating close to me during the debate intimated.

For his counterpart, he was seemingly very meticulous in the way he responded to the questions that were posed, addressed issues by doing so with maturity and level headedness. According to what was gathered, D-Monk is a cool and calculated fellow who has the clout to head SLAJ and not being that type of person who will hurt a fly whether he wins or not.

This attitude of post-election victimization must be put to an end in order to restore the fun and liveliness of future SLAJ elections. Such an atmosphere will give journalists the free hand to openly declare their support for candidates of their choice instead of living in perpetual fear of being victimized. SLAJ is an elitist group and its members must be seen to be behaving as elites. Anything short of that will be ridiculous.

 

 

Sierra Leone News: Seawright  investment in Commercial Fish Farming to Boost Economy

Seeing the opportunities in commercial fish farming, investors and government representatives from Sierra Leone have been learning about best practice from friends and colleagues in Ghana – and are ready to transform the sector at home.

Following a training and fact-finding tour of Ghana, Sierra Leone’s Seawright Mining Company is preparing to start commercial fish farming in Sierra Leone. The delegation, which was made up of 15 people, including company representatives, parliamentarians and other public officials, visited key Ghanaian aquaculture institutions, and participated in workshops in both Akosombo and Ainoo-Ansah Farms’ training centre in Accra.

The Seawright Mining Company, a gold and diamond production company run by the American businessman Dr. Alfred Seawright, is seeking to invest in commercial aquaculture as a means of deepening its involvement in the Sierra Leonean economy. Dr Christian Larbi Ayisi, a lecturer at Ghana’s University for Development Studies, who serves as consultant to the company, said that the aim of the tour was to enable Seawright and its stakeholders to get a good idea of industry best practice before rolling out its investment programme. A developed aquaculture sector, he said, would help Sierra Leone deal with major problems like the huge amounts spent on fish imports, and protein deficiency. The team visited some fish farms, an aquaculture research institution and regulatory institutions.

“Seawright wanted to learn from Ghana’s experience,” said Ayisi. “Ghana has acquired a lot of experience in aquaculture, from the development and regulation of tilapia species to the development of feed sources, to the regulation of the industry. Seawright wanted to learn about these experiences, especially the mistakes that were made along the way. The trip was very successful, and we expect that there would be follow-up visits in both directions.”

Ayisi added that the workshop at the Training Centre was very useful, as it enabled the team to interact with senior technical personnel involved in the industry: “Their presentations drove home some important issues relating to building and maintaining an efficient aquaculture industry in Sierra Leone. Among these were the importance of technically sound farm infrastructure and skilled personnel. We also need a reliable source of quality seed and fingerlings. And we must develop and maintain a stable market.”

Following the visit, plans are underway for rolling out the company’s strategy this year. A member of the team, the Honourable Alex Mattia Rogers, Member of Parliament for Sierra Leone’s Pujehun District, said that CEO Alfred Seawright’s initiative was a welcome intervention that will make a major impact on the national economy. “We want to make this initiative work,” said Rogers. “That is why we were in Ghana to learn from them.”

Jacob Ainoo-Ansah, facilitator at the Ainoo-Ansah Farms training centre, assured the participants that aquaculture is a major contributor to food security, especially in Africa, and that their decision to invest in that sector is a wise one. “In Africa today, we can’t afford not to promote aquaculture,” he said. “Our fish and protein supply is highly inadequate, and the amounts of hard currency we spend on fish imports can certainly not be sustained.”

As in most West African countries, the steep decline of capture fish production and illegal fishing by large foreign trawlers has created a huge fish supply gap in Sierra Leone, making aquaculture a big necessity. The country currently imports 30,000 tonnes of fish annually to meet its supply shortfall.

Meanwhile, the Ghana-based international aquaculture group SkyFox expects aquaculture production in Sierra Leone to register a significant hike, after the country had seen production revved up in some 200 fish farms across the central Tonkolili District. The ponds were constructed under USAID-funded programme “Feed the Future, Scaling Up Aquaculture”, which was implemented by WorldFish. It was started in 2015, and completed its lifespan in March this year.

Traditional fish farming has been practiced in the district for decades. The project aimed at promoting commercial production, in order to improve nutrition levels in the district and beyond. The programme also encouraged women’s participation in aquaculture. Close to half of the 200 people equipped with basic fish farming skills were women.

Patrick Apoya, CEO of SkyFox, says that USAID and WorldFish have provided a good foundation for successful aquaculture practice in Sierra Leone, especially in Tonkolili District. “The people in the District are already predisposed to aquaculture, so we are building on the foundation laid,” said Apoya. “Our emphasis is on profitable fish farming based on good technical structures and knowhow. We are ensuring that all the pond structures are technically sound. And we are developing strategies for providing good-quality seed material and feed locally. At present, most supplies are brought in from Ghana. But we are working to develop local capacity in the near future.”

He is confident that women will play a prominent role in aquaculture in Sierra Leone. “In Ghana women form the majority of the investors in our projects, and they enjoy good dividends. We will encourage the women farmers in Sierra Leone to run their farms on a sound commercial basis. And we hope to introduce the shareholding scheme to provide avenues for profit making.” Mr Apoya also said that maximising water use in food production is a guiding principle in SkyFox operations, and the company will seek to implement interventions for achieving them. “In Ghana, water from the ponds is used to irrigate crop farms,” he said. “We will introduce such projects in Sierra Leone where they are possible.”

Sierra Leone News: LAB to toughly Deal with Fathers Neglecting Child Maintenance

Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles

The Legal Aid Board will bring action against fathers who have been flouting Court Orders to pay Child Maintenance. The first set of fathers will be brought before the courts for Contempt as early as next week.

For quite some time now, the Board has been under mounting pressure from mothers, guardians and caregivers who have come to the office to collect child maintenance money only to be told there is no money for them. This is because fathers have reneged on the settlement reached with the Board to pay a certain amount on a monthly basis towards the maintenance of their children.

The Board hopes to send a clear message to these fathers and others who may be brought before the Board in future that there are penalties for flouting a Court Order. “We have to set an example for fathers to treat us seriously,” the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles. “We will fife their property to raise money for the maintenance of their children, if the money raised is not enough, we will stop at nothing in ensuring they pay up and being without a paid job is not an excuse.”

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles said they saw this coming, noting that many fathers have proven to be very irresponsible by leaving the upkeep of their children in the hands of their mothers.  “This is why the Chair of the Board, Justice Miatta Samba insisted that we assign a lawyer to maintenance cases in the courts,” she said, adding, “We have been put in a very embarrassing situation having to explain to mothers, guardians and caregivers why the money is not available after receiving Court Orders.”

 

 

 

Sierra Leone News: Big blow…   Host of Artists Quit RFM Record Label

The Red Flag Movement [RFM] is one the most popular music labels in Sierra Leone and also among one with the biggest Fan Base in the country. The group is headed by its CEO, Alhaji Amadou Bankaria Bah aka LAJ who is one of Sierra Leone’s finest hip hop rappers.

From a confirmed source, a group calling itself the ‘Five Billion Strong’ quitted the Red Flag Movement on the 6th July 2019. The Movement used to have young talented hip-hop artists like Vuga C, Camouflage, K. Mill, under the Five Billon Strong chapter.

Talking to this medium most of the above mentioned artists claimed that the main reason for opting out borders on monetary issues. Vuga, who is now representing the Tee Zee music, owned by a Sierra Leonean living in the diaspora, in his new song titled “Fire for Fire”  explained that among other reasons that led to his leaving is that LAJ always fail to show interest about the welfare of others.

He gave an example of “Coke n Gin”, his colleague who is presently remanded at the Pademba Road Prison, whom he claimed CEO LAJ has not made any move to secure his release furthering how there had been many projects and staged shows from which they as label artists have not benefitted .

Yusufu Bangura and Alpha Wury Bah of the Five Billion Strong disclosed that for quite some time they exercised patience with the CEO maintaining that even though it is understandable that some shows that were staged were personally supported by LAJ but in as much as they were with him in promoting those shows and performed all over the country they deserve something no matter how small.

They bemoaned realizing that the CEO was very selfish during and after the release of their ‘Loyalty Album’ at Hotel 5/10, on the 1st of May 2019.  The disenchanted duo claimed that they had no representatives at the entrance and that the gate takings were never presented to them after the show.

Many fans in the East End of Freetown, where RFM has the highest number of fans in the country, have raised concerns as Vuga C, K Kill and others who were in the 5 Billion Strong are considered to be their brothers. Some have even threatened to withdraw their support for the Label.

CEO of Border Line (BL), Abdul Rahman Kamara, also known as Camouflage intimated that he has nothing to say about his withdrawal saying everything is now behind his back and he is presently moving on with his new label, BL,.  He has signed to a set of artists, a group called Famile and a lady called Precious of Housemates Salone fame.

This medium tried to get the side of the CEO LAJ to respond to these allegations but he was very busy to give us the full story but we are very optimistic to get his full response by next week.

 

 

 

Sierra Leone News: Pres. Bio Wishes New Local Govt. Minister Success

Minister of Local Government, Tamba Lamina and President Bio

During a short ceremony during which the newly approved Minister of Local Government, Tamba Lamina, subscribed to the Oath of Office before His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio as per Section 57 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, the President congratulated the Minister and thanked him for accepting the offer to serve in the new position.

He said he was joining the Government at an extremely difficult time and would require extra efforts to face the difficulties ahead. He said he had created an environment that was supportive and assured of his guidance and support at all times.

Shortly after subscribing to the Oath, Mr. Lamina expressed his sincere gratitude on behalf of himself and family for the consideration to be appointed to serve in Cabinet. He said performance had always been his strength, adding that he hoped to bring additional values to the Cabinet. He said together they would ensure the New Direction becomes successful and beneficial to the people of Sierra Leone.

He assured that he would provide a very professional leadership at the Ministry of Local Government wherein respect for the Rule of Law, and particularly for Paramount Chiefs, would be paramount and would be centered on collaboration and consultation. He added that decision making would be based on evidence as required by the New Direction.

It could be recalled that before his new assignment, Tamba Lamina was Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom where he performed remarkably well.

 

 

Sierra Leone News: Lahai Lawrence Leema Dedicates Award to Pres. Bio

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Lahai Lawrence Leema

Receiving the National Leadership Award for “Outstanding Public Leadership 2019” by the African Consulting Group (SL) Limited on Saturday 6th July, 2019 at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Lahai Lawrence Leema, expressed gratitude to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for appointing him to serve in his New Direction Government as a youth. Minister Leema described his appointment as an opportunity to learn leadership skills from President Bio, and an effort by President Bio to prepare youth including him (Leema) towards contributing to national service. He therefore thanked and appreciated President Bio for having confidence in him to have appointed him (Leema) to such leadership grooming position to help oversee the internal security sectors in Sierra Leone.

The Deputy Internal Affairs Minister assured the public of living up to the expectation of President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone, by ensuring that he help to oversee the security agencies under the Internal Affairs Ministry in a responsible manner for the peace and security of the people of Sierra Leone. He reassured Sierra Leoneans that his Ministry is working assiduously to ensure that the security of Sierra Leoneans and other nationals resident in Sierra Leone is guaranteed especially the movement of people at night.

The aim of the National Leadership was to raise the profile of dedicated and committed individuals and organizations, and highlight their contributions towards developing a fairer, sustainable, peaceful and prosperous future for all Sierra Leoneans. The work of the award is anchored on the belief that the organization recognizes the tremendous and essential roles of individuals and organizations in leadership and empowerment in society towards moving the country forward.

The goal of the award initiative was to recognize and encourage  individuals to use their abilities to contribute to national development, peaceful co-existence, best practices and outstanding achievements.

 

 

 

Sierra Leone News: ‘Keeping Hope Alive’ & Rokel Bank Plant Trees

Climate change is real – and for a country like Sierra Leone, the consequences could be far reaching if we continue to neglect a looming threat. The 14th August 2016 cataclysmic landslide on Mount Sugar Loaf and the resultant flooding that sent nearly 3,000 compatriots to painful deaths lingers on. As our forest cover speedily gives way to dry savanna grassland, it is obvious we are headed for doom if affirmative action is not taken to reverse the trend. Statistics from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization say Sierra Leone’s forest cover is now less than 10%.

However, amid the uncertainty there is hope – hope that cannot be a better exemplified by the Rokel Commercial Bank with a new eco-friendly policy that does not only complement Government’s efforts at preserving our environment but would also blaze the trail for other corporate institutions in Sierra Leone.

The Bank is partnering with Keeping Hope Alive a local NGO to plant trees on hundreds of acres on the Bo/Masiaka Highway. The brief commissioning ceremony that took place near Petifu-Masiaka viallge in the Koya Chiefdom saw the attendance of prominent personalities like the Senior Adviser to the President, Raymond Desouza George, Paramount Chief of Koya, PC Bomboli III and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, the Environmental Protection Agency and the entire leadership of the Rokel Commercial Bank.

“We are moving towards an eco-friendly bank…our mandate is all about money from a narrow perspective of the word itself, but we have what we call corporate social responsibility, and this goes beyond monetary affairs, it goes beyond helping society and contributing to the overall developmental objectives of the government. We have taken up this particular exercise to help save our environment and invariably  improve the human development index ……we are not as relevant as we want to be if we only restrict ourselves to financial management ….we are building up a financial institution that’s going to be the pride of Sierra Leone and eventually Africa…”   said Walton Gilpin, Managing Director, Rokel Commercial Bank whose comments were re-echoed by the Chairman of the Rokel Bank Board, Buffy Bailor.

Both representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment Protection Agency underscored the need for a paradigm shift from traditional slash and burn farming to mechanized farming as former had proven to be far more destructive to the environment.

Perhaps at that ceremony, there is no one with a better appreciation and understanding of the benefits of afforestation than the Paramount Chief of Koya who said he had not requested any monetary compensation for the land we gave to Keeping Hop Alive. “I know the importance of trees…. during our days, forests used to provide water during the dry seasons…I planted trees some years ago and I am now getting money from them,” he said.

Speaker after speaker including the Special Adviser to the President were unanimous in their endorsement of the partnership between Rokel Commercial Bank and Keeping Hope Alive in heling to save our environment.

Sierra Leone News: NP-SL: A Living Testament of Dedication & Commitment

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited

Within the business landscape in this country one entity that has exemplarily stood the test of time amidst daunting challenges that could have seen it vanish in thin air of course is indisputably the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited.

As a matter of fact, the company is impressively one of the most successful indigenous companies growing through the economic ladder since its humble establishment by 35 Sierra Leoneans who bought shares from the Government from their end of service benefits.

Through the mapping and rolling out of prudent business initiatives and competent managerial steering, NP-SL metamorphosed from an indigenous baby to a towering company whose landmarks could not be easily counted with the fingers. An evident testimony of the company’s viability could be interpreted in its opening of branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where it is providing qualitative customer care services to residents in those places.

Besides, trading in petroleum products, the company has been grossly contributing to economic growth through payment of taxes and churning out meaningful gestures under the cover of Corporate Social Responsibility that are transforming lives and improving communities.

A demonstrable impressive attribute is its commitment to ensure that petroleum products are always available and such has been preventing shortages that could create shocks in many quarters. The level of confidence which overseas business partners have reposed in the company has made it possible for entering into payment agreements thereby keeping the demand and supply chain open and running.

Very mindful of operating in a competitive space and dealing with people from various walks of life as well as private and public institutions, Management deems it befitting to put premium on enhanced customer care. For NP the customer is their number One Priority which is why it treats  customers with kids’ gloves ensuring that they are availed opportunities and innovations geared toward making transactions easier and convenient.

The company has gained reputation for offering different jobs to Sierra Leoneans throughout the country where it is operating and this has helped in reducing stress and alleviating poverty.

It is a policy of the company that Sierra Leoneans must be given preference in terms of job opportunities which is a testament of the fact that the company is operating in line with deepening the country’s Local Content Policy. Making use of local talents makes it possible to forestall financial flight as it usually obtains in situations where foreigners are employed to do jobs which indigenes can do better.

Apart from primarily dealing in petroleum products the company also offers the general public a convenient way of cooking through NP Gas. It could be found, in different sizes, at all their filling stations and can also be accessed from other agents.

Moving away from the traditional way of transacting business through using physical cash or  chits which at times lead to controversies, it was thought wise by the shareholders and Management to introduce the use of smart cards. With these cards, customers do not need to have huge cash in their possession to procure petroleum products, which is of course risky. They could purchase any quantity of petroleum product based on how much they have in their smart cards and want.

“I have been enjoying purchasing petrol for my car through the use of my smart card because I have been doing so in terms of other transactions and so this one fits in,” Mohamed Turay a Business Consultant frankly intimated noting that such is how developed countries operate within the business realm.

For its exceptional service delivery to numerous esteemed customers right across the country, the company has over the years gained accolades and recognition evident in bagging awards from institutions.

It therefore came as no big surprise recently for it to be awarded “Best Company of the Year” on 6th July 2019 during the National Business Award 2018/2019.

NP is undoubtedly a true Sierra Leonean pride.

 

 

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