By Foday Moriba Conteh
In line with its commitment to making products and services more accessible, NP (SL) commissioned a state-of-the-art filling station in Masiaka on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Filling Station premises along the Masiaka-Yonibama Highway.
Welcoming the gathering, Pa Alimamy Bomboli Kanu, Section Chief in Masiaka, representing the Paramount Chief of the Chiefdom, applauded the Proprietor of the Filling Station and the Management of NP(SL) for commissioning what he described as a significant development for the chiefdom.
He expressed pride in the fact that their chiefdom now boasts of the largest Filling Station in the country adding that with the establishment of the new facility in Masiaka, the challenges residents previously faced in securing fuel will soon become a thing of the past.
Pa Alimamy Bomboli Kanu urged residents to view the Filling Station as a community asset, emphasizing that they all have a role in safeguarding it. He further noted that ensuring its sustainability will allow future generations to benefit from the investment.
In his address, the Proprietor of the filling station, Suliaman Deen Kalokoh, expressed deep appreciation to the entire Management of NP (SL) for their unwavering support in bringing the project to fruition.
He also extended gratitude to the community stakeholders of Masiaka for their support from the inception of the project to its completion. Suliaman Deen Kalokoh acknowledged the encouragement he received from the community, stating that he and his wife, Mariama Jah, are grateful for their unwavering support. He emphasized that the commissioning of the Filling Station is a testament to the power of commitment and determination.
Suliaman Deen Kalokoh revealed that after spending several years in England, he and his wife decided to return home to contribute to national development. He noted that the establishment of the Filling Station in Masiaka would help alleviate fuel shortages in the region.
He further highlighted that the station has already created job opportunities for residents of Masiaka and beyond. Additionally, he emphasized that the new facility will help address recurring fuel shortages in the area, particularly during times of crisis, as the Filling Station will operate 24 hours a day, powered entirely by solar energy.
Beyond the Filling Station, the premises also house several other facilities, including a hotel, pharmacy, restaurant and supermarket.
Suliaman Deen Kalokoh called on the residents of Masiaka to take ownership of the facility, pointing out that it will not only be beneficial to his family but also to the wider community.
CSP John B. Koroma, Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Masiaka Police Division, expressed his appreciation to the Proprietor and the Management of NP (SL) for the construction and commissioning of the new Filling Station in Masiaka. He noted that the development has transformed the face of Masiaka, emphasizing that such an investment is not only significant but also timely for the community.
He stated that since the construction of the Filling Station, the police have been providing adequate security to ensure that operations run smoothly and in accordance with established procedures. The Local Unit Commander also encouraged members of the public to take ownership of the investment, reminding them that they serve as watchdogs for NP (SL).
The LUC reassured the community of the Police Force’s continued presence to safeguard lives and property, reaffirming their commitment to their mandate as a “Force for Good.”
Osman Koroma, Chairman of the Bike Riders Association in Masiaka, expressed his appreciation to the Proprietor and NP (SL) for commissioning the new Filling Station in Masiaka. He noted that bike riders have long faced challenges in securing fuel, often having to travel to nearby villages to refuel. However, he stated that the establishment of this NP (SL) Filling Station will significantly ease those challenges and ensure a reliable fuel supply within the community.
He encouraged bike riders to support the Filling Station, emphasizing that it represents a major development for them by providing easy and consistent access to fuel at all times.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of NP (SL), Saidu Mansaray, the Sales Manager of the company, Vandy Bockarie, assured the residents of Masiaka that the newly commissioned NP (SL) fuel station will put an end to fuel shortages in the area. He highlighted that the Masiaka station is the largest in the country, with a storage capacity of over 100,000 liters of petroleum products.
He emphasized NP (SL)’s commitment to optimizing customer care, noting that the company continues to excel in the petroleum market. Vandy Bockarie further disclosed that, as a partner in this Filling Station, NP (SL) has ensured the inclusion of all key facilities available at its other stations nationwide, including the widely used NP Energy Pass Card payment system.
The Sales Manager assured residents of the availability of high-quality petroleum products, which NP (SL) has consistently been known for over the years. He also emphasized that the station’s pumping machines are certified by the Standard Bureau, guaranteeing that customers receive the correct quantity of fuel with every purchase.
He added that the establishment of the Filling Station in Masiaka will not only ensure a steady fuel supply but has also created job opportunities for local residents. Vandy Bockarie expressed gratitude to Suliaman Kalokoh for believing in NP(SL)’s mission and vision, which led to their partnership in the venture.
The event started with the recitation of the Holy Quran and climaxed with the cutting of tape by the Sales Manager of NP Sierra Leone, Vandy Bockarie, CSP John B. Koroma, Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Masiaka Police Division and a representative from the community.
