By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The vital role played by NP (SL) Ltd in making it very possible for vehicular movement to take place, unfettered, by ensuring abundant availability of fuel in the form of petrol and diesel, during the entire electioneering period, can only be described as positive.
Gaining easy access to fuel and other petroleum products imported and marketed by the company for private and commercial use also made it possible for political parties, the election management body (ECSL), the Security Sector , Media Practitioners , Civil Society Organizations, the political aspirants and their supporters to move from one place to another, engaging in various political activities, during the electioneering period which finally culminated to the June 24, 2023 elections and thereafter.
On Polling Day, in particular, electoral materials and personnel were transported without much consideration given to fuel constraint, especially with regards gaining easy access to petrol or diesel. Certain people, as was the case with the two leading contenders, the incumbent President Julius Maada Bio and the main opposition contender, Samura Kamara, moved with their entourage at certain locations to cast their votes.
International as well as Local Observers representing various organizations that are in the country currently observing the conduct of the elections were also able to go about their assignments with ease without facing vehicular movement constraint that may have been caused largely by the lack of fuel. Fuel was available right across all the regions of the country.
As a company that is focused and well managed, NP (SL) Ltd, was very proactive and mindful of the sensitivity of the election calendar and therefore took the wise initiative to import an appreciable quantity of petrol and diesel ,that will last stock over time, with no doubt or fear that anything of the sort of scarcity will occur that would have impinged negatively on the electioneering calendar and landscape. Management of the company knew the importance of the period and acted well ahead of time truly depicting the caring nature of the business entity.
Is it therefore little wonder why NP (SL) Ltd had been held in high esteem for being 1st for Customer Care!
As a matter of fact, there is not a single iota of doubt that NP (SL) Ltd is a premier oil marketing company that has been doing extremely well in the areas of importing and marketing various petroleum products in the country, notably petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which the most outstanding is Castrol oil.
Without contesting the undiluted fact, this 100% indigenous company has left its footprint on the sands of time as it continues to bag wide commendations for its timeliness in always ensuring that qualitative petroleum products are imported into the country, distributed country wide to its sales points or Filling Stations across the country in order for its esteemed customers to easily gain access to them.
The company has never renege in doing so save only certain situations where, as a result of unforeseen contingencies, most often beyond its control, there has been some delay. However, in such circumstances measures are quickly rolled out to address them and restore normalcy in the supply chain.
Indeed, it could be said with all amount of certainty that the selflessness and dogged determination on the part of the 35 Sierra Leoneans who established the company are greatly influencing most of the policies that were adopted, effectively implemented which saw the transformation of a small business enterprise to a towering entity.
One of those laid down policies is that which places premium on enhancing or maximizing customer care to create a situation where its customers are always made to feel good and satisfied. The company’s Shareholders and Management are also conscious of the fact that by taking customer care to a higher pedestal such could serve as a leeway to attract other individuals to come on board its customer platform.
One very striking feature which NP-SL has so far exhibited, to the admiration of many, is its strict adherence to the country’s Local Content Policy. Development Economists have recommended that one viable route to be used to boost a country’s economy is to make effective use of indigenous resources, both material and human, as long as they are available. Enhancing local content has its attendant merits one of which is creating employment opportunities and ensuring that monies paid workers are not remitted overseas.
The NP-Sierra Leone Limited is one of the few companies in this country that has successfully implemented its internal policy of giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. This is indeed very impressive and is helping in major ways to reduce poverty.
If today NP Gas is going at the pace of the Concord, in terms of sales, then this is simply because it has been discovered that it is very fast, efficient and environmental friendly for cooking purposes. Besides, it can be refilled without going through the hassle of having to find gas elsewhere as the company markets gas alongside petrol, diesel and other lubricants. They are manufactured in different cylinder sizes and are easily accessible.
“NP Gas is my kitchen partner and I am finding it very cooperative. It is easy to handle and for me it poses no danger. I am therefore recommending it and for anyone to secure it there will be no regrets,” Mariatu Sesay a resident, living in Makeni recommended.
What is much talked about today, well not in social circles as social distancing is now the norm, is NP Smart Card. As the name suggests the card is so smart to such an extent that as long as it is loaded with money it can be slotted in the calibrated pumping machine and after demanding the amount of petrol or diesel requested for, it churns out the exact amount plus displaying the price. It is trending, secured and convenient to use.
“NP Smart Card works well and since I have been using it I always procure fuel for my car and generator in record time. Using it, there are many benefits one can derive,” a Civil Servant, Mohamed Jusu, underscored.
The company does not joke with rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility fully aware that it is incumbent on it as a business entity to give back to society. This is all the more reason why it has been complementing the Government’s development interventions.
The timely interventions and the sterling and well thought out decisions or initiatives that Management of the company rolls out, especially during critical moments, has made NP(SL)Ltd very relevant to development.
