Manso Kamara, From NP Liberia to NP SL
When Manso Augustine Kamara took the reins of NP Liberia in 2018, the downstream petroleum market was riddled with challenges: regulatory hurdles, operational inefficiencies, and fierce competition. Six years later, under his steady leadership, NP Liberia has become a trusted household name — a brand synonymous with quality service, safety, and professionalism. Now, he is taking up his new assignment at NP SL as the Sales Manager, a more daunting task, considering the larger scale of operations in Sierra Leone.
A graduate of Fourah Bay College with a BSc in Economics, and further trained in Banking and Finance at Access Bank’s School of Banking Excellence, Kamara began his career in Sierra Leone as a Marketing Manager with NP (SL) Limited. That early exposure gave him both technical insight and practical experience in navigating the complexities of petroleum marketing across West Africa.
By the time he became Managing Director of NP Liberia, he was ready to confront long-standing legal and operational challenges, reshaping NP Liberia into a model of customer-centricity and efficiency.
For Kamara, timing is everything. “In our industry, timing is very important, especially for mining and construction companies. If they stay a day without fuel, the cost is huge,” he explains. That belief has shaped NP Liberia’s operations, ensuring every step of the supply chain — from order to delivery — is monitored and executed promptly.
This structured service culture has earned NP Liberia the loyalty of customers, even in a market where pricing differences remain tight.
One of the most visible hallmarks of NP Liberia under Kamara’s watch is the transformation of gas station branding. Before NP entered the Liberian market in 2010, gas stations often lacked identity. Today, NP’s bold yellow and green colors dominate the landscape, becoming landmarks in their own right. “If you say NP Liberia, some may hesitate. But if you say NP Gas Station, everyone knows it. That’s how strong our brand has become,” he notes with pride.
This branding push has had a ripple effect across the industry, compelling other Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to elevate their operations and presentation.
Beyond branding and service delivery, Kamara has instilled a culture of safety and sustainability. From its monitored Bulk Road Vehicles (BRVs) to gas stations and office infrastructure, NP Liberia maintains rigorous safety protocols. This commitment not only safeguards lives but also reinforces NP’s reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.
Despite the uncertainties of the petroleum sector, Kamara remains optimistic. “We have gone through the hurdles inherent in the industry. We’ve learned from them. NP Liberia’s future is bright,” he says confidently.
For Kamara, NP Liberia’s mission extends beyond borders. With steady progress and an expanding footprint, he envisions the company not just as a market leader in Liberia but as a dominant force across West Africa.
Under his leadership, NP Liberia has evolved from simply supplying fuel to becoming a benchmark of excellence — a story of resilience, discipline, and vision in one of the region’s most critical industries.