When we talk of successful indigenous companies that are operating within Sierra Leone, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited definitely falls among the top in the hierarchy.
Without making no secret about it, the fine managerial initiatives injected from time to time are all geared towards taking NP to higher heights and form one of the pillars why the company continues to occupy a prominent position, an outstanding posture and is laudably making admirable inroads within the business world both within the country and in the other four West African countries where it is currently functioning.
It is quite indisputable that the company has stood the test of time and weathered many storms which could have hampered its very survival. History can attest to the fact that there have been previous indigenous companies that were established either by sole proprietors or group of individuals but soon collapsed as a result of managerial incompetence, lack of dedication, commitment or because of acts of misappropriation. NP has been an exceptional case with an humble beginning by 35 former workers of British Petroleum (BP) who decided to put together their end of service benefits and used such as seed capital to establish what is today known as the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited. Sheer commitments, dedication, passion on the part of the shareholders and Management have all contributed to put the company on a higher pedestal.
Today, the company has vibrant branches in neighboring Guinea, Liberia, in Ivory Coast and The Gambia providing job opportunities for indigenes in all these countries as well as occupying a position as one of biggest taxpayers to the Governments in those countries. In doing all these NP has been contributing greatly towards poverty alleviation.
This indigenous company is indeed held in high esteem for customer care, an initiative which is strongly held very significant because customer satisfaction is deemed paramount in all business transactions. Concerns raised by customers are keenly considered and help to shape future decisions that keep making the company more vibrant and relevant.
Besides, dealing primarily in petroleum products NP is also marketing safer gas cookers that are very convenient for various cooking purposes. Many have rated it as one of the best and easy to deal with for both domestic and business cooking use. When we take into consideration the health hazards that are posed by using charcoal and the environmental deforestation caused by cutting down trees then using an NP Gas Cooker is advisable.
One admirable quality that NP-SL Ltd possesses is working tirelessly and effectively using its contacts with oil producing countries in order to ensure that there is timely purchase and delivery of petroleum products to avoid shortages. It goes without saying that fuel, for example, could be a political commodity in the sense that fluctuation in its price would make a Government likeable or unpopular. When the price goes up then people blame the Government for that but if it goes down it is kudos for the political administration.
Its timely importation of petroleum products has earned NP high commendations from various quarters simply because it helps to cushion unrest and other forms of disadvantageous effects one of which is increase in transport fares, increase in the prices of certain commodities. The pro-activeness of the company invariably has a direct impact on poverty reduction in variable ways.
In terms of making full use of the Local Content, which by law is a Policy, then NP-SL Ltd stands tall within that realm as nearly all its members of staff in this country are Sierra Leoneans as well as indigenes in the other countries it is operating which is so good since it is indeed an engine of growth.
Without mincing the truth it is undeniably factual that the relevance of NP to economic development is indeed very positive and tremendous.
