By Amin Kef Sesay
The National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) was proudly among other institutions that were highly recognized and honoured with prestigious awards by the Corporate Events Limited during the organization’s 5th Annual Sierra Leone Business Awards Ceremony held at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Freetown on the 8th December 2021 which was graced by the crème de la crème of society.
NP-SL Ltd was awarded as the Best Company of the Year for its outstanding performance in the private sector and commitment to business excellence, best practices and socio-economic growth and human development in Sierra Leone.
Indeed, for some who are au fait with the operations of this remarkable petroleum marketing company it came as no surprise for it to be honoured with such a highly prestigious award. This is for the simple fact that the company ranks among dominant companies in the country that have been making steady progress, growing by leaps and bounds within the business landscape of this country.
It has been widely acknowledged that the company has dominated the petroleum trade in the country based on its proactive stance with regards the importation and marketing of high grade petroleum products including petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which one of the best is the widely used Castrol oil. The way and manner in which the company provides high quality services to its numerous customers right across the country have been described as phenomenal and highly impressive.
Besides, it is an indigenous company that cherishes its numerous customers, as over the years it has placed high premium on customer care, which it had and effectively continues to roll out to such an extent that it has earned it the enviable reputation of 1st for Customer Care.
It is within that realm that the shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated machines in all its Filling Stations.
These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s).
With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.
With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of introducing the use of NP Smart Card. This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station, as long as it contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.
The Shareholders and Management of the company also thought it fit to introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country. Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.
NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time for embracing and effectively rolling out the country’s Local Content Policy. As one of its major priorities, the company has placed high premium on giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. It is only on rare circumstances that the company makes use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.
A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of a serious business entity that is determined to grow. In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.
Receiving the Award, on behalf of the company, its Chief Executive Officer, Kobi Walker expressed gratitude to the organizers and all those who voted for the company to make it through. “I want to use this opportunity to extend thanks and appreciation to all those who in diverse ways patronized with the company in 2021,” he stated adding how they are committed and determined to continue to provide essential services to its numerous customers right across the country and contribute meaningfully to overall national development.
The Chief Executive Officer concluded by stating that the Award will be dedicated to all the esteemed customers of the company.
“Your patronage, participation, your trust in us and your immense interactions with us made it happened because without you there will be no NP-SL Ltd,” he stated followed by a thunderous chorus of applauses, morale boosting before the actual celebration and jubilation started.
