By Amin Kef-Ranger
There is not a single iota of doubt that NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is a premier petroleum marketing company that has been doing extremely well in the areas of importing and marketing various petroleum products in the country, notably petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which the most outstanding is Castrol oil.
Without contesting the undiluted fact, this 100% indigenous company has left its footprint on the sands of time as it continues to bag wide commendations for its timeliness in always ensuring that qualitative petroleum products are imported into the country, distributed country-wide to dealers of Filling Stations across the country in order for its numerous and esteemed customers to easily gain access to them.
The company has never reneged in doing so save only certain times when as a result of unforeseen contingencies, most often beyond its control, there could be some delay. However, in such circumstances measures are quickly rolled out to address them and restore normalcy in the supply and marketing chain.
It must be noted that for any petroleum marketing company to maintain such a solid and unshakable posture such could only be attributed to prudent business management initiatives. Indeed, with all amount of certainty, the selflessness and dogged determination, on the part of 35 Sierra Leoneans, who established the company, have greatly influenced most of the policies that were adopted, effectively implemented which saw the transformation of a small business enterprise to a towering entity. This trend still continues.
One of those laid down policies is that which has to do with placing premium on enhancing or maximizing customer care to create a situation where its customers are always made to feel good and satisfied. The company’s Shareholders and Management are also conscious of the fact that by taking customer care to a higher pedestal such could serve as a leeway to attract other individuals to become customers.
Indeed, it is in that light that a conscious move was made to make the company’s Filling Stations very attractive and welcoming. As state of the art structures, NP Filling Stations are painted in yellow and green colours, most times very spacious to accommodate fleet of vehicles, are very eye catchy and in some of them there are shopping marts where customers could purchase basic items and even relax to socialize..
To promote transparency and win the trust of its numerous customers as well as match up with international standards, it was decided on the part of the company to invest so much in procuring and installing calibrated pumping machines. These have the capacity to pump the exact quantity of fuel in vehicles and containers to the utmost satisfaction of buyers. “I always feel satisfied whenever I do purchase petrol at any NP Filling Station because I am always conscious that I am getting my money’s worth,” a banker divulged to this medium adding that the Managers of these Filling Stations are doing a fantastic job ,referencing the neatness of the stations and orderliness of how business transactions are conducted.
One very striking feature which NP-SL has so far exhibited, to the admiration of many, is its strict adherence to the country’s Local Content Policy. Development Economists have recommended that one way of boosting a country’s economy is to make effective use of indigenous resources, both material and human, as long as they are available. Enhancing local content has its attendant merits one of which is creating employment opportunities and ensuring that monies paid workers are not remitted overseas.
NP-SL Ltd is one of the few companies in this country that has successfully implemented its internal policy of giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. This is indeed very impressive and is helping in major ways to reduce poverty.
If today NP Gas is going at the pace of a Concord Plane, in terms of sales, then this is simply because it has been discovered that it is very fast, efficient and environmental friendly for cooking purposes. Besides, it can be refilled without going through the hassle of having to find gas elsewhere as the company markets gas alongside petrol, diesel and other lubricants. They are manufactured in different cylinder sizes and are easily accessible.
“NP Gas is my kitchen partner and I am finding it very cooperative. It is easy to handle and for me it poses no danger. I am therefore recommending it as there will be no regrets in securing one,” Mariatu Sesay a resident, living in Makeni stated.
What is much talked about today is NP Smart Card. As the name suggests the card is so smart to such an extent that as long as it is loaded or credited with money it can be slotted in a space on the calibrated pumping machine and after demanding the amount of petrol or diesel requested for, it churns out the exact amount plus displaying the price. It is trending, secured and convenient to use.
“NP Smart Card works well and since I have been using it I always procure fuel for my car and generator in record time. Using it, there are many benefits one can derive,” a Civil Servant, Mohamed Jusu, underscored.
The company does not joke with rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility fully aware that it is incumbent on it as a business entity to give back to society. This is all the more reason why it has been complementing the Government’s development interventions. The Shareholders and Management have always stood by the side of Sierra Leoneans in thick and thin always endeavoring to give succour and deepen development. Many worthy projects and programmes have been supported or championed by the company with the avowed objective of improving standards of living and complementing Government’s efforts in enhancing development.
“This shows that the company is a responsible business entity,” an official of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency commended.
The company is standing tall for having vibrant branches operating in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where they are operating efficiently, offering jobs and paying taxes to Governments. NP-SL is indeed a force to reckon with and is poised to further make its presence felt and expand its operations.
