By Amin Kef Sesay
In this country, the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited is one business entity that has resiliently stood the test of time amidst daunting challenges that could have seen it vanish in thin air.
Indeed, it is incontestable that the company is impressively one of the most successful indigenous companies that have been progressively climbing the business ladder since its humble establishment by 35 Sierra Leoneans who bought shares from the Government out of their end of service benefits.
Through the mapping and rolling out of prudent business initiatives and competent managerial steering, NP-SL metamorphosed from an indigenous baby to a towering company whose landmarks could not be easily counted with the fingers. An evident testimony of the company’s visibility and viability could be seen in its functioning branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where the company is well established and providing qualitative customer care services to its numerous esteemed customers in those countries.
Besides trading in petroleum products, the company has been grossly contributing to economic growth through payment of taxes and churning out of meaningful gestures under the cover of its Corporate Social Responsibility that has been transforming lives and improving communities.
A demonstrable striking attribute is its commitment to ensure that petroleum products are always available and such has been preventing shortages that could create shocks in many quarters. The level of confidence which overseas business partners have reposed in the company has made it possible for entering into payment agreements thereby keeping the demand and supply chain open and running.
Very mindful of operating in a competitive space and dealing with people from various walks of life as well as private and public institutions, Management deems it befitting to put premium on enhanced customer care. For NP the customer is their number One Priority which is why it treats customers with kids’ gloves ensuring that they are availed opportunities and innovations geared towards making transactions easier and convenient.
The company has gained reputation for offering different jobs to Sierra Leoneans throughout the country where it is operating and this has helped in reducing stress and alleviating poverty.
It is a policy of the company that Sierra Leoneans must be given preference in terms of job opportunities which is a testament of the fact that the company is operating in sync with deepening the country’s Local Content Policy. Making use of local talents makes it possible to forestall financial flight as it usually obtains in situations where foreigners are employed to do jobs which indigenes can do better.
Apart from primarily dealing in petroleum products the company also offers the general public a convenient device for cooking purposes, which is the widely acclaimed NP Gas. It has been rated for its high speed precision, safer to use and above all environmental friendliness. NP Gas is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and could be purchased at all the company’s filling stations and authorized agents. The Gas to refill it can also be secured at Filling Stations.
Moving away from the traditional way of transacting business through using physical cash or chits, which at times lead to controversies, it was thought wise by the shareholders and Management to introduce the use of NP Smart Card. With these cards, customers do not need to have huge cash in their possession to procure petroleum products, which is of course risky. They could purchase any quantity of petroleum product based on how much they have in their smart cards and want.
“I have been enjoying purchasing petrol for my car through the use of my smart card because I have been doing so in terms of other transactions and so this one fits in,” Frank Kposowa, a Banker, frankly intimated noting that such is how developed countries operate within the business realm.
For its exceptional service delivery to numerous esteemed customers right across the country, the company has over the years gained accolades and recognitions evident in bagging awards from institutions.
Without shouting it from the rooftop, NP is undoubtedly a true Sierra Leonean pride.
