By Amin Kef Sesay
One of the most successful business entities that are making serious headway within the business landscape is incontestably the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) which has been in operations now for considerable period of time. By all estimation it is a successful business enterprise whose success could be measured from the point of view that it started humbly only in Sierra Leone but today could boast of having branches within the West African sub-region in places like Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. In all these countries, the National Petroleum Company stands tall and is rated high among other competing oil marketing companies for its excellent service delivery and the keen attention paid towards optimising customer care.
Formed years back by 35 committed and dedicated Sierra Leoneans it is a private entity that deals in petroleum products, buying whole sale and retailing them at their various Filling Stations right across the country and even beyond. Through hard work , prudent business management applications the company kick-started on a fine footing and with time turned out to become a very a gigantic enterprise that has so far contributed positively ,on various fronts, to the socio-economic development of the country and it is still doing so excellently.
The pro-activeness of the company vis-à-vis its importation and distribution of petroleum products cannot be overemphasized as such is done in a timely manner which has ensured that for a very long period of time now there has not been any form of shortage and even when such is imminent the company steps in robustly to address such in collaboration with its partners. This unique attribute that the company possesses has earned it respect and lured many to it which is one of the underlying reasons why NP’s customer base keeps soaring although there is much to be desired for.
Naturally, people like to conduct business transactions with entities that are trustworthy and in that regard the company has made its mark. The name of the company is really synonymous with 1st For Customer Care which is not merely dressing itself in borrowed robes but has been recognized by reputable organizations that have bestowed on it prestigious awards for outstanding performances within stipulated periods.
Putting the company’s customer care excellence in perspective, the company is on record for dealing with its numerous customers in a very transparent manner which is why modern calibrated pumping machines were installed at the company’s Filling Stations displaying the quantity of fuel required as well as the price. These sophisticated modern machines have been instilling confidence in customers that they are doing business with a very open company devoid of playing games that will cheat them in order to amass as much profits. When customers have such an optimal satisfaction coupled with being treated courteously by the company’s employees then it is obvious that they will stay glued.
In order to be on top of situation, the company thought it very prudent to factor the concerns and suggestions of members of the public into its decision-making processes and such have effectively guided NP-SL Ltd to make the right choices that have helped it in its development.
Going further to give maximum convenience NP-SL Ltd introduced the use of NP Smart Card which is a latest technological gadget or device that customers can use, through financially topping up, to procure the aspired quantity of petroleum products on any working day thus making it possible to get fuel in a quick way without going through the hassle of having to wait in long queues. With this latest device one is assured of having one’s fuel on Smart Card.
Many have attested that they find using NP Gas very convenient saying it is environmentally friendly, quick and could be refilled with gas that could be bought from the company. Manufactured in various cylinders this modern cooking device could be secured at the various NP Filling stations across the country and they are going at affordable prices that can fit the pockets of many households and institutions. Those who are using it recommended it as a very useful household gadget underscoring that there will be no regrets procuring one.
In the area of enhancing the Local Content Policy it is hard to come across a company like NP-SL Ltd that is effectively doing so. This could be justified by pointing out that the company has made it a hard and fast rule that as long as there are competent Sierra Leoneans capable of performing certain tasks then they should be given priority in terms of employment opportunities instead of bringing on board foreigners who at the end of the day move out of the country with large amounts of money creating economic dislocations.
From all indications NP-SL Ltd is a very successful business entity although it is not all smooth riding as there are challenges to be overcome, one of which is recovering debts owed it by other institutions but it is undaunted to forge ahead while trying to surmount them. The strides taken so far by the company are worthy of emulation and which many Sierra Leoneans must be very proud of.
