In a significant gesture of goodwill and collaboration, Mr. Saidu Mansaray, CEO of Sierra Leone’s largest oil company, NP (SL) Limited, has met with senior authorities at the Environment Protection Agency – EPA The visit marked an important step in fostering dialogue between the oil company and the environmental regulator, aimed at addressing mutual concerns and exploring sustainable solutions.
Mr. Mansaray said that, apart from paying courtesy, the visit is geared towards familiarizing with all the relevant stakeholders in the petroleum industry. Thanking the Agency for the support the Company has been enjoying over the years, the CEO assured the Agency about the operating procedures deployed by the Company to ensure compliance with the EPA’s requirements, Mr. Mansaray mentioned that his administration will work towards maximizing full compliance. The CEO also expressed hope for better conditions for the existing relationship between NP and the Agency.
Echoing the CEO’s remarks, Sales Manager, NP (SL) Limited, Mr. Vandi Bockarie, said the Company will continue to work hand in glove with the Agency to produce the best outcomes in terms of environmental standard performance. He also assured continued and easy access to the best service and offers.
Congratulating Mr. Mansaray on his appointment, the Executive Chairman, EPA, Dr. Abu Bakarr S. Massaquoi expressed excitement to meet the new management for the first time. Dr. Massaquoi assured the Company of providing the technical support as well as the platform needed for dialogue. “We want to be able to present NP with the opportunity to say to the EPA, this is too much for us. Can we sit and talk about the resources and how we can fully comply with the terms and conditions?”
Sheik Ahmed Tunis, Director of Research Policy and Implementation, EPA and also in charge of monitoring petroleum operations in the country, commended NP’s commitment to complying with requirements, especially paying dues. He implored the Company to continue the remarkable efforts. Mr. Tunis assured NP of EPA’s willingness to work as best as possible to minimize the burden on businesses like NP.
For a business like NP, the influence of the Agency is to help enhance the Company’s performance in terms of environment, safety, and health standards. Providing the benchmark for environmental responsibility, the Environment Protection Agency delivers science-based regulatory requirements that protect the environment while allowing a space for responsible business existence.
The meeting, described as cordial, focused on several key issues, including environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and the future of the petroleum sector, concluded with both parties expressing optimism about future collaboration.