By Ibrahim Sesay
For decades, NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has been more than just a petroleum company. It has been a story of resilience, innovation and the triumph of indigenous enterprise in a sector long dominated by foreign-owned competitors. From its humble beginnings, NP (SL) has grown into the country’s leading oil marketing company and is today a regional force with operations in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
But what sets NP (SL) apart is not only its ability to supply fuel across borders. It is its bold embrace of innovation; technology, systems and strategies designed to meet the unique needs of Sierra Leoneans while modernizing the energy sector.
Among NP (SL)’s most celebrated innovations is the Energy Pass Card, a digital payment system that has revolutionized the way customers purchase fuel. Introduced at a time when cash transactions dominated the sector, the Energy Pass Card provides motorists with a seamless, cashless experience. Customers can load money onto the card and use it at Filling Stations across the country, enjoying instant receipts and accurate transaction records.
For many, the card has provided financial discipline, transparency and convenience, eliminating the risks of carrying large sums of cash. Businesses in particular have embraced it as a tool for monitoring fuel expenditure and managing fleet costs. In an industry often accused of inefficiencies, the Energy Pass Card has placed NP (SL) ahead of the curve, proving that homegrown solutions can drive international best practices.
Another milestone innovation is NP Gas, a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) product that has steadily gained popularity in Sierra Leonean households. Traditionally, many families relied on firewood or charcoal for cooking; a practice that is both hazardous to health and harmful to the environment.
NP Gas provides a cleaner, safer and more environmentally friendly option. With cylinders available in different sizes, NP Gas has made modern cooking solutions accessible to both urban and rural communities. Beyond convenience, this innovation supports Sierra Leone’s environmental agenda by reducing deforestation and curbing indoor pollution linked to traditional cooking methods.
Innovation at NP (SL) has not only been about products; it extends to safety practices and operational excellence. In a sector prone to fire hazards and accidents, NP (SL) has invested heavily in state-of-the-art infrastructure that meets and often exceeds national safety requirements.
The company’s commitment to safety is also evident in its support to national institutions. It has provided the Sierra Leone National Fire Force with boreholes and standby generators, strengthening emergency response capacity. For NP (SL), innovation is not only about profit but also about protecting lives and safeguarding communities.
At the heart of NP (SL)’s innovation story is its commitment to empowering Sierra Leoneans. Unlike many foreign-owned petroleum companies that rely heavily on expatriate staff, NP (SL)’s workforce is almost entirely local. From pump attendants to senior management, Sierra Leoneans are given opportunities to build careers, develop skills and lead.
Its procurement policies further demonstrate innovation in economic inclusion, with deliberate prioritization of local suppliers. By ensuring that its supply chain strengthens Sierra Leonean businesses, NP (SL) has transformed itself into a growth engine for the wider economy.
NP (SL)’s innovations extend beyond its fuel stations. The company has consistently invested in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), with landmark projects in education, healthcare and sports.
It has established a burns unit at Connaught Hospital, sponsored school sporting competitions and refurbished educational facilities across the country. One of its standout contributions was the rehabilitation of the Kingtom Police Primary School, where the company built modern classrooms, installed a water tower and supplied desks and chairs.
Most recently, on 5th September 2025, NP (SL) handed over newly refurbished facilities to the Government Independence Memorial Secondary School in Kissy, Freetown. The intervention included a solar-powered borehole, upgraded classrooms, improved administrative offices, sanitation facilities tailored for children with disabilities and the donation of 200 desks and chairs.
The initiative was hailed by both school authorities and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education as a benchmark in private sector support for education.
Speaking at the Kissy school handover, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu reaffirmed NP (SL)’s mission to link innovation with national development. “This handover is not an end but a step forward in our broader Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. We are committed to creating safe and conducive learning environments for Sierra Leone’s children,” he said, urging pupils to seize the opportunities provided.
Dr. Mohamed Kanu’s words reflect the company’s philosophy: innovation is only meaningful when it changes lives and uplifts communities.
NP (SL)’s steady rise across West Africa proves that innovation does not have to come from abroad. Sierra Leone’s own petroleum giant has shown that with vision, discipline and commitment, indigenous companies can compete with international players while remaining rooted in national realities.
Its story is ultimately about more than fuel. It is about reimagining how a petroleum company can operate: digitizing payments, promoting clean energy, prioritizing safety, empowering citizens and supporting national development.
Sierra Leone looks to the future with NP (SL) standing tall as a symbol of national pride, a trusted brand and a living example of how innovation can fuel progress.
