By Amin Kef Sesay
It has been established that the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited sheds a ray of hope for Sierra Leonean businesses. It epitomizes that any determined group of Sierra Leoneans, with good intensions and initiatives, can make meaningful achievements when they come together and invest solidly. Today, the company is the leading petroleum marketing company in the subregion, only because some 35 nationals were shrewd enough to plough their end of service benefits into the formation of the company. This example, if emulated by forward-looking and ambitious individuals that make meaningful investment plans, will change the development trajectory of this country.
Though NP-SL Ltd is an indigenously owned company, however its shareholders and Management are not afraid to take risk into venturing into various parts of the country. NP-SL Ltd believes in breaking new grounds and this has been the driving force behind its expansionist drive.
The company’s services that it rolls out are not only limited in the capital city but are replicated nationwide. Everywhere they operate, they offer the same services, effectively providing the qualitative services to its esteemed customers.
To make the purchase of fuel very simple NP-SL Ltd introduced the NP Smart Card, which enables organizations and individuals to purchase fuel at ease without using physical cash. By introducing this latest technology, it avails its customers the convenience in conducting transactions at Filling Stations as long there is credit in their NP Smart Cards.
Established by some 35 Sierra Leoneans years back, NP-SL Ltd has grown to become one of the most successful indigenously owned companies in this country. Because of effective management initiatives, the company is vibrantly operating in Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and The Gambia.
With NP-SL Ltd, Customer Care is always taken paramount as Management ensures that customer satisfaction is prioritized. The company truly deserves commendation in that direction.
With well-motivated members of staff, who know how to efficiently treat customers, NP-SL Ltd has become very endearing to many.
In all the five countries where it is operating, the company always ensures that petroleum products, in terms of fuel and other lubricants, are available in order to avoid scarcity.
It has been established that using charcoal and wood for cooking purposes poses health hazards and depletion of our forests. Against such a backdrop many have commended the company for making it possible to get access to NP gas cookers, which are indeed safe and friendly for domestic use. Gas is as well available at the company’s filling stations which individuals can purchase at affordable prices.
The company is one of the few business entities in this country that strictly adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy by strictly offering jobs to Sierra Leoneans except in situations when expert knowledge and skills are outsourced. This has helped in providing jobs and reducing poverty.
NP-SL Ltd is a major tax payer to the National Revenue Authority and is contributing to Government’s revenue which is used for the implementation of various development programmes.
The company has truly made Sierra Leone proud as it continues to fly the Green, White and Blue high in West Africa with the story of how serious minded and ambitious individuals can become successful business entrepreneurs.
