By Amin Kef Sesay
Sierra Leone is indeed a very resourceful country and the marine sector has a lot to offer in terms of fishes and other sea animals from which huge revenue could be derived if harnessed very well.
In this time of the year, which is the raining season, fishermen are most times out on the seas with their motorized boats to catch fishes and other species like lobsters, shrimps, crabs etc. The boats that they use have outboard machines that are fuel driven. Accounts given by some of these fishermen are indeed mind boggling bordering on how mixed, impure and doctored fuel has damaged the proper functioning of their outboard machines sometimes putting their very lives in absolute jeopardy.
For some people living in certain communities to travel from one location to another out of their communities the only means is by using boats. Owners of those boats are indeed doing some kind of business and expect to maximize profits meaning they must be mindful of the quality of fuel that they purchase to power their outboard machines on their boats.
The Ministry of Youth, under its Youth in Fishing Project has empowered certain fishing groups, comprising young people, with boats as a way of providing a source of livelihood for them. The project is designed in such a way that the Government and the beneficiaries gain in a mutual way from the proceeds earned.
Experience has proven that doctored fuel, sold by unscrupulous individuals on the Black Market, is of inferior quality and causes a lot of damage to good engines.
The only way out of getting trapped into such a situation which could be very devastating is to access the qualitative petroleum products imported and marketed by the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) which includes diesel, petrol , lubricants(engine oil) etc. These products have been internationally approved as well as nationally by the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), which is the regulatory agency of all petroleum marketing companies in the country.
NP-SL Ltd is a proud provider of safe and affordable fuel for fishermen and sea vessels. The relationship has existed now for quite a considerable period of time and Management of the company from time to time does all within its reach to strengthen it and keep it mutually beneficial. As a caring company known as 1st for Customer Care the Shareholders and Management of the company is currently wishing all its esteemed sea customers safety during this ongoing rainy season and encouraging them to always patronize with the company in terms of securing qualitative petroleum products.
As a matter of fact, feedbacks so far received from the vast majority of the general public relating to the operations of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) and its contributions to national development indicate that the company is indeed doggedly committed to prioritize enhanced and utmost customer care satisfaction while conducting business transactions.
The company is proud of partnering with business savvy individuals to open Filling Stations in various parts of the country.
Since it was established by 35 Sierra Leoneans, who bought shares from the Government years back, the company has grown from leaps and bounds; weathering storms that would have run it down. But the resolve of its shareholders and Management to succeed has been the centrepiece that has propelled NP-SL Ltd to a higher pedestal, equal to none in the sub-region.
Despite the above, the selflessness and commitment of the shareholders have made it possible for the company to empower many Sierra Leoneans and at the same time put it at a vantage position to continue to open more filling stations across the country.
NP-SL Ltd has cordially maintained a good business relationship with its numerous customers right across the sub-region where it has its presence and most have confessed that they are realizing optimum satisfaction in dealing with the company.
The company is also known for offering Sierra Leoneans affordable NP Gas cookers of various sizes, which are safe and very friendly to use. NP Gas cookers could be purchased at all their filling stations across the country and the very gas is also sold to replenish those that have been used.
The National Petroleum (NP) of Sierra Leone is 100% indigenously-owned and has been providing various jobs to residents across the country and even in neighbouring countries, thereby reducing poverty to a considerable level.
It is also on record that the NP is one of the largest taxpayers to the National Revenue Authority (NRA), financially empowering the Government to roll out various development projects.
The company has been lauded for its invaluable contributions towards building up the country’s economy.
As a serious petroleum business entity, NP-SL Ltd is proud of having various filling stations in various parts of the country and it is vibrantly functioning in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and the Gambia.
Without mincing the truth, the company has a capable and competent managerial team at the helm of affairs, which from time to time comes up with good initiatives, always ensuring that those initiatives are effusively, effectively implemented to create value for money.
Since it was established by 35 Sierra Leoneans, who bought shares from the Government years back, the company has grown from leaps and bounds; weathering storms that would have run it down. But the resolve of its shareholders and Management to succeed has been the centrepiece that has propelled NP to a higher level, equal to none in the sub-region. The synergy that runs through its members of staff has also contributed to the company’s growth.
The selflessness and commitment of the shareholders have made it possible for the company to empower many Sierra Leoneans and at the same time put it at a vantage position to continue to open more filling stations across the country.
The company deals with individuals and various sectors of society, always ensuring that its various petroleum products are available and are sold at affordable prices. This keen symbiotic relationship with its customers has been paying huge dividends, always resulting in a win-win situation, making NP very endearing to all and sundry.
The regulatory institution of the different petroleum companies in the country, Petroleum Regulatory Agency, has lauded NP-SL Ltd for its efficient service delivery wherever it is operating.
When people talk of the steady and effective implementation of the Local Content Policy, NP stands out tall as it is truly has 100% indigenes, particularly in Sierra Leone, as workers. This is one of the factors that have made the company to be a success story.
NP-SL Ltd is doing exceptionally well in all the countries it is functioning and indeed there are prospects for further expansion.
It can therefore be justifiably asserted that the National Petroleum- Sierra Leone Limited is the country’s reliable fuel provider as it always ensures that its stockpile is always at an appreciable level.
