By Amin Kef (Ranger)
NP (SL) Limited, Sierra Leone’s leading and wholly indigenous downstream petroleum company, continues to position itself as a cornerstone of national development through sustained innovation, exceptional service delivery and a strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility. With a heritage spanning more than 70 years, the company has evolved into one of West Africa’s most trusted and professionally managed energy providers.
Founded in 1954 as the Atlantic West African Oil Company, the company later transitioned into British Petroleum Sierra Leone and subsequently into the Sierra Leone National Petroleum Company following significant Government ownership in 1984. Its full indigenization came in 1996 when the Government of Sierra Leone privatized its shareholding, paving the way for a new chapter driven by Sierra Leonean expertise, entrepreneurship and corporate leadership. This milestone set the foundation for the company’s rebranding in February 2011 to its current identity; NP (SL) Limited.
Today, NP (SL) operates under the leadership of Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu. Guided by its timeless slogan, “NP – Your Partner for Life,” the company has built an unmatched reputation anchored on reliability, quality service and customer-oriented solutions.
NP (SL) continues to deliver a wide range of petroleum products and energy solutions essential to the country’s socio-economic growth. These include gasoline, diesel, high-grade lubricants such as BP and Castrol and the increasingly popular NP Gas, a safe, environmentally certified Liquefied Petroleum Gas widely adopted by households and businesses. NP Gas has successfully contributed to cleaner energy use, reduced deforestation and improved kitchen safety in homes nationwide.
The company also leads the digital transformation of fuel payment systems through the NP Smart Card; a secure, cashless and transparent payment platform that enhances accountability and convenience. This innovative service has modernized fuel transactions and significantly improved customer experience across NP Filling Stations.
NP (SL) is one of the few companies in Sierra Leone to be certified under three international ISO standards:
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
- ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety)
These certifications reflect the company’s rigorous adherence to global best practices and its commitment to quality service, environmental protection and a safe working environment for staff and customers.
Given the nature of petroleum products, NP (SL) prioritizes fire prevention and safety across all operational sites. The company has consistently supported the National Fire Force with essential infrastructure, including bore wells and standby generators, reinforcing national emergency preparedness and disaster management capacity.
NP (SL)’s remarkable growth has extended beyond Sierra Leone’s borders, with successful operations in Liberia, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia. Across those countries, NP maintains a strict Local Content policy, ensuring that its workforce is made up entirely of nationals from each country of operation; promoting employment, skills transfer and economic empowerment.
Through expanded service coverage, NP (SL) has brought petroleum products closer to communities previously underserved, significantly reducing energy poverty while boosting trade, transportation and job creation. Its dedication to customer care has earned the company recognition as Sierra Leone’s Number One Customer Care Leader in the petroleum sector.
With its strong operational discipline, innovative services and commitment to national progress, NP (SL) continues to embody the vision set by its founders. Sierra Leone’s journey toward a more modern and resilient energy future continues to unfold and NP (SL) stands firmly at the center of that progress. The company remains a reliable national asset and a trusted partner, consistently living up to its promise as “Your Partner for Life.”
