By Amin Kef (Ranger)
NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL) has on Wednesday April 24, 2024 unveiled its pilot phase of the Access And Energy Pass Card with the objective of revolutionizing the fueling experience and promote a cashless economy. This innovative device aims to enhance access and efficiency in energy management systems while facilitating the seamless flow of petroleum products across the nation.
The main objectives of coming up with this new system are: to drive towards a cashless solution, safeguard cash sales amid security breaches, achieve real time fuel balance , ensure flexibility/Self service, availability/ accessibility of fuel nationwide with a potential for a 24-hour sales.
The NP Energy Pass Card, a user-friendly Smart Card, offers both online and offline usability coupled with high-security features to safeguard customer information. Notably, it provides instant SMS notifications after every transaction, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Customers can conveniently recharge their cards at designated stations or the Head Office and even reverse transactions if needed. Additionally, stringent security measures are in place, including One-Time Passwords (OTP) for password changes in case of blockage due to incorrect entries.
Ambassador Kobi Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL, emphasized the state-of-the-art security features integrated into the Access and Energy Pass Card. He highlighted its seamless integration with customers’ mobile numbers, offering real-time transaction updates to empower users.
Furthermore, Amb Kobi Walker elaborated on the benefits for station owners, including streamlined financial operations with direct credits to their bank accounts for transactions made through the Access And Energy Pass Card.
The initiative, aptly named “FUBU” (For Us, By Us), stems from NP’s commitment to embracing a cashless future and addressing challenges identified through stakeholder consultations.
Leon Aboko Cole, NP Sales Supervisor, emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering a cashless economy and enhancing security measures.
According to him, the Access And Energy Pass Card promises to usher in a new era of self-service convenience, eliminating the need for pump attendants and empowering customers to fuel their vehicles independently. With its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface, he said, it aims to meet the diverse needs of customers and Station Managers alike.
With the pilot launch of the Access And Energy Pass Card, he intimated that NP-SL is set to lead a paradigm shift in the fuel industry, promising efficiency, transparency and unparalleled convenience.
It must be pointed out that with the Smart Card’s user-Friendly Interface, the pump design mimics an ATM screen, providing customers with familiarity and ease of use.
Also, with the capability to function both online and offline it ensures uninterrupted service.
In terms of Flexible Operation Modes, the pumps are adaptable to various operating conditions including manual and online modes.
It must be reiterated with regards security the card is customized and tied to the customer’s phone number which ensures that valued customers receive real-time updates on every transaction that occurs on customers’ cards.
The reversal of recharge is designed to rectify any mistakes made by agents/ NP Sales staff when depositing funds onto customer cards, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Other features include instant SMS Messaging as customers and Station Managers receive customized SMS notifications, serving as electronic receipts for transactions.
NP Filling Stations to Access Fuel using the NP Access And Energy Pass are: NP Cotton Tree, NP Campbell Street, NP Brookfields, NP Pademba Road, NP Sander Street, NP Regent, NP Kissy Road, NP Blackhall Road, NP Motor Way, NP Deepeye Water, NP Aberdeen and NP Mambo.
