The NP Kissy Bye Pass Fuel Station was officially reopened last weekend by former APC Constituency 102 Member of Parliament, Honourable Alie Kalokoh, who is also a dealer with the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA). The rehabilitation and reopening of the station reportedly cost millions of leones.
Speaking during the ceremony, Honourable Alie Kalokoh expressed gratitude and happiness to witness the successful reopening of the station. He thanked community members, stakeholders, riders, and NP officials who attended the event despite their busy schedules.
Kalokoh also praised the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, for his contribution to the growth and success of NP. According to him, the President’s earlier approval and support during his leadership days greatly contributed to NP’s progress and current achievements.
He further acknowledged the late Mohamed Kanu for his hard work and dedication toward strengthening the company. As part of the celebration, Kalokoh announced that 50 liters of fuel would be distributed free of charge to bike riders, keke riders, and motor drivers to encourage them to continue patronizing NP.
Kalokoh stated that NP has grown into an internationally recognized company, making Sierra Leone proud across the world. He added that the company has expanded its operations into several countries and remains one of the leading petroleum companies in the region.
The Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Brima Baluwa Koroma, also addressed the gathering. He described the reopening as a historic moment, noting that it was his first time in 15 years witnessing the opening of a fuel station in Sierra Leone.
Koroma explained that NP has successfully expanded beyond Sierra Leone into countries such as Liberia, Guinea, and The Gambia. He emphasized that NP’s international success demonstrates the ability of Sierra Leonean companies to compete globally.
He praised the modern standard of the Kissy Bye Pass station and assured the public that more sub-stations would be built across the country. Koroma also confirmed that Honourable Alie Kalokoh remains the operator of the station.
Manso August Kamara, speaking at the event, highlighted NP’s contributions toward national development. According to him, proceeds from fuel sales have supported projects such as the expansion of hospitals, schools, Fourah Bay College, police facilities, and borehole construction across Sierra Leone.
He encouraged NP staff and management to maintain good customer relations and treat every customer with respect regardless of the quantity of fuel purchased.
Representatives of the Keke Riders Union welcomed the reopening of the station, describing it as a major benefit to transport operators and residents in the Kissy community. They noted that the station’s operation would make it easier for riders to access fuel, especially at night.
The union leaders appealed to NP management to extend the station’s closing time to at least 11:45 p.m. to enable riders to buy fuel conveniently after working hours. They also raised concerns about the increasing cost of fuel and called for continued support for riders.
Mohamed Alie Jaketay, leader of the bike riders, said the reopening ceremony was a wonderful occasion and thanked NP management for showing love and respect toward riders. He added that the company has continued to support riders over the years and expressed hope for stronger cooperation between NP and transport unions.
The ceremony ended with appreciation from community stakeholders and riders, who described the reopening as an important development for the Kissy Bye Pass community.
