By Amin Kef Sesay
The Board of Directors and Management of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) are still mourning the death of those who were trapped in and consumed by the 5th November 2021 inferno that claimed the lives of many, leaving others seriously injured who are now responding to treatments in different health facilities in Freetown.
In the wake of the gruesome accident, the company was among the first to tangibly extend humanitarian gesture by availing the Connaught Hospital, Emergency Hospital, 34 Military Hospital and Choithram Memorial Hospital with some amount of assorted but highly recommended and potent medical items to be used in administering treatment on the injured victims.
The company continues to extend its sincere and profound sympathy to all those who were affected in one way or the other by the gruesome fire accident, wishing all those admitted speedy recovery. Board and Management of the company also heartily commend all the health workers who are using their professional expertise in the treatment of those who sustained burns during the incident.
NP-SL Ltd has been rated as one of the successful indigenous companies in the country which majority of the citizens could point at as a resilient company , especially when serious consideration is given to the fact that the petroleum marketing entity has stood the test of time, weathering various challenges that could have led to its demise.
For such a commendable feat to be achieved during quite a long period of time now means that the company has been blessed with capable Shareholders, Board of Directors and Managerial teams that have been providing the requisite ideas and initiatives that continue to take NP-SL Ltd from one higher level to another.
Providing its esteemed and cherished customers, right across the country, with rapt and efficient attention by always ensuring that their petroleum needs are well satisfied which, with all amount of certainty, has been identified as one of the secrets behind the successes of the company.
Management is always very keen on prioritizing Customer Care which is why it is keen to know the reactions of customers to certain policies or decisions as well as to listen to various concerns raised and always be in a position to address them.
Having amassed the requisite and seeing the need to expand appropriately, NP-SL Ltd thought it fit to expand by opening branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia and all of them are extremely functioning well to the utmost satisfaction of the Governments of those countries plus its ever growing customers. In doing so, the company has been contributing towards job creation and poverty reduction more especially as it is virtually impossible for the Governments in these countries to provide all job opportunities for citizens.
When cognizance is taken of the fact that Governments need revenue to finance development projects it is important to find the sources of generating such. NP-SL Ltd , as a company, is one of the biggest taxpayers to Government. Management always makes it as a point of duty to timely pay taxes and despite battling with existing and unforeseeable challenges there has never been an instance when it has been coerced to do so.
Many have praised NP-SL Ltd for making available cookers popularly known as NP Gas which is safe for cooking purposes. These NP Gas cookers are sold at reasonable prices and could be procured in all their Filling Stations as well as from authorized dealers. At a time like this when it has been recognized that it is advisable, for health reasons, to avoid using firewood or charcoal for cooking purposes the best option could be NP Gas, which is hygienic, clean and quick.
NP Smart Card is now in vogue as some of the company’s customers are currently using it to procure fuel. The NP Smart Card could be easily credited which then could be used at a Filling Station to purchase fuel without the physical exchange of cash. It has been confirmed that it is a very convenient means of purchasing fuel and whenever it has run low in cash it could be credited and ready for the next purchase.
Talking about effective implementation of the country’s Local Content Policy, NP-SL Ltd stands tall in that regard as it is truly the only indigenous company that employs 100% Sierra Leoneans as workers. The company gives preference to employing Sierra Leoneans which is a clear indication that it adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy by utilizing local talents thereby making it possible for indigenes to acquire useful knowledge and skills through on the job experience or via various training programs.
It is important to know that the company deals with individuals and various entities, always ensuring that its various petroleum products are available and are sold at affordable prices. There is a good business strategy in place whereby entities or customers are permitted to use chits to secure fuel and pay later. Such is very advantageous more so when those entities do not always have cash at hand to be purchasing petroleum products from time to time. This symbiotic relationship with its customers has been paying huge dividends making NP-SL Ltd very endearing to all and sundry.
With regards recognition, the regulatory institution of the different petroleum companies in the country, the Petroleum Regulatory Authority, has also lauded NP in recent times for its efficient service delivery in its areas of operation.
There could be no doubt to authoritatively state that NP-SL Ltd. is doing exceptionally well in all the countries it is functioning and indeed there are prospects for further expansion.
Without mincing the truth, NP-SL Ltd stands tall within the business landscape in and out of the country growing stronger and stronger as time goes by.
