By Amin Kef Sesay
The National Petroleum –Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) continues to bag widespread commendations for its unwavering stance or posture to continue to import and market petroleum products even as the country is currently battling with COVID-19.
Indeed, such a stance on the part of the company is a clear manifestation that the Shareholders and Management of the company are doing all within their reach to avail Sierra Leoneans and other nationals these significant products which is making it possible for individuals to smoothly go about daily activities.
Indisputably, the importance of availability and affordability of petroleum products cannot be overemphasized when cognizance is taken of how they help in contributing to facilitate movement from one place to another, powering our generators, our cookers, lubricating our engines for effective and efficient functioning amidst others.
“At a crucial time like this when the economies of countries have been grounded as a result of the pandemic it is but commendable on the part of NP-SL to scale up its contacts and arrangements in order to ensure the timely availability and marketing of petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants including the most demanded Castrol oil,” Managing Director of Sea Coast Clearing and Forwarding Agency expressed gratitude.
Based on what this medium leant, when it went out to gauge the opinions of people relating to what they consider about the operations of NP-SL, many stated that the company is really doing exceptionally well in its activities, some praising the efficiency and dedication of its Management and Staff for their pro-activeness as well as meeting deadlines.
Indeed, it is an indisputable fact that NP-SL Ltd is a prime mover of the country’s economy. The company, has over the years, been paying huge taxes to Government as it is within the Large Tax Payers bracket of the National Revenue Authority (NRA). These taxes paid are reserved in the Consolidated Revenue Fund to be utilized by the Government to fund the implementation of various development programmes. As far as investigation mounted proved, there has not been a single complaint of the company reneging in honouring its tax obligation, which some say is highly commendable.
To also demonstrate that it is indeed a 100% indigenous company, that means well for the people of this country, besides maximizing profits from sales, the Shareholders and Management of the company made it a laid down policy to give consideration first to Sierra Leoneans instead of foreign expatriates when it comes to employment opportunities. This has made it possible for indigenes, with the requisite qualifications and skills to gain employment in the company which in turn is helping greatly in reducing poverty and to take care of basic responsibilities. From what was learnt NP-SL has indeed taken the lead in enhancing the country’s Local Content Policy which is in tandem with national growth.
This thriving business entity is better known for taking Customer Care to the highest pedestal in the country as it has been rolling out different strategies to give utmost satisfaction to its numerous customers right across the country. With installed modern calibrated pumping machines at the company’s Filling Stations, customers do get the exact quantity of petrol or diesel they purchase at Filling Stations which, according to some, is transparent and good in terms of fair transaction.
“I feel comfortable using NP Gas for cooking purpose as it is quite easy to handle and not harmful,” Hawanatu Yansaneh, a housewife told our reporter adding that it is easy to refill as the gas could be easily secured from the company’s Filling Stations. Her impression resonates with that of others that were interviewed with many recommending it as an efficient cooking gadget. NP Gas cookers are manufactured in different cylinder sizes and are very affordable.
NP Smart Card is the most convenient means or device of purchasing fuel at NP stations. This memory chip can be uploaded with money which in turn can be slotted in the calibrated machines and the required amount paid. It prevents individuals from moving around with large amount of money, especially on behalf of companies or corporate institutions just to purchase fuel. It can be used at any time of the day when the company is operating and has been rated as very accurate.
One of the yardsticks that could be used to measure the viability of any company is its growth rate. In this regard NP-SL stands tall as it has successfully opened branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. These NP branches are really doing well within the realm of importing and marketing petroleum products and contributing positively towards the development of those nations.
It can be said with all amount of certainty that NP-SL Ltd has an unwavering stance when it comes to making moves to import and market petroleum products and it is doing so diligently to the utmost satisfaction of many.
