Strengthening Emergency Care: NP (SL) and Leoneoil Commission Burns Unit for Sierra Leone
The facility, which stands as one of the country’s most significant private sector contributions to specialized medical care, was established in response to the tragic tanker explosion at Wellington on November 5, 2021, an incident that left many Sierra Leoneans dead and several others with severe burn injuries.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Executive Chairman of NP (SL) Limited, Dr. Mohamed Babatunde Cole, said the project was born out of the painful lessons learned from the tragedy, when hospitals struggled to cope with the high number of burn victims due to the lack of specialized facilities.
He noted that the experience prompted NP (SL) and Leoneoil to make a commitment, not just to provide short-term assistance, but to invest in a long-term solution that would strengthen the country’s ability to respond to burn-related emergencies.
According to the EC, the construction of the Burns Unit represents a practical demonstration of what Sierra Leoneans can achieve when they commit themselves to supporting national development. “This facility is not just a building,” he said. “It is a lifeline where lives will be saved, where recovery will begin, and where hope will be restored for many of our people.”
Dr. Cole emphasized that the initiative reflects the determination of the NP (SL) and Leoneoil partnership to ensure that Sierra Leone is better prepared to handle severe burn cases in the future while providing patients with the dignity, specialized treatment, and care they deserve. Highlighting the broader legacy of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives undertaken by NP (SL) over the years, the EC revealed that the Company previously built the Aberdeen Women’s Clinic, a facility that played a significant role in addressing obstetric fistula in Sierra Leone before it was later upgraded into a maternity and child healthcare hospital, serving vulnerable women and children.
Beyond healthcare, NP has also contributed to national development through the construction of schools for the Sierra Leone Police to support the education of children of service personnel. The Company has also provided critical water facilities for the Sierra Leone Fire Force and supported the rehabilitation of schools, including the Independence Memorial School, Kissy, and the Police Primary School, Kingtom. According to the EC, the Burns Unit represents an investment in Sierra Leone by Sierra Leoneans for Sierra Leoneans. He noted that the funds used for the project ultimately came from the continued support of customers across the country. “Every Sierra Leonean who buys fuel from NP and Leoneoil stations has contributed to this facility.” Dr. Cole reaffirmed the commitment of both companies to continue supporting national development initiatives in the future.
The commissioning ceremony brought together senior government officials, health sector leaders, development partners, and members of the private sector, who all commended the initiative as a powerful example of corporate patriotism and responsible investment.
The newly constructed Burns Unit is expected to significantly improve Sierra Leone’s capacity to treat severe burn injuries and reduce the need for patients to seek specialized treatment abroad, while enhancing the country’s preparedness for medical emergencies involving burn victims.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Executive Chairman of NP (SL) Limited, Dr. Mohamed Babatunde Cole, said the project was born out of the painful lessons learned from the tragedy, when hospitals struggled to cope with the high number of burn victims due to the lack of specialized facilities.
He noted that the experience prompted NP (SL) and Leoneoil to make a commitment, not just to provide short-term assistance, but to invest in a long-term solution that would strengthen the country’s ability to respond to burn-related emergencies.
According to the EC, the construction of the Burns Unit represents a practical demonstration of what Sierra Leoneans can achieve when they commit themselves to supporting national development. “This facility is not just a building,” he said. “It is a lifeline where lives will be saved, where recovery will begin, and where hope will be restored for many of our people.”
Dr. Cole emphasized that the initiative reflects the determination of the NP (SL) and Leoneoil partnership to ensure that Sierra Leone is better prepared to handle severe burn cases in the future while providing patients with the dignity, specialized treatment, and care they deserve. Highlighting the broader legacy of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives undertaken by NP (SL) over the years, the EC revealed that the Company previously built the Aberdeen Women’s Clinic, a facility that played a significant role in addressing obstetric fistula in Sierra Leone before it was later upgraded into a maternity and child healthcare hospital, serving vulnerable women and children.
Beyond healthcare, NP has also contributed to national development through the construction of schools for the Sierra Leone Police to support the education of children of service personnel. The Company has also provided critical water facilities for the Sierra Leone Fire Force and supported the rehabilitation of schools, including the Independence Memorial School, Kissy, and the Police Primary School, Kingtom. According to the EC, the Burns Unit represents an investment in Sierra Leone by Sierra Leoneans for Sierra Leoneans. He noted that the funds used for the project ultimately came from the continued support of customers across the country. “Every Sierra Leonean who buys fuel from NP and Leoneoil stations has contributed to this facility.” Dr. Cole reaffirmed the commitment of both companies to continue supporting national development initiatives in the future.
The commissioning ceremony brought together senior government officials, health sector leaders, development partners, and members of the private sector, who all commended the initiative as a powerful example of corporate patriotism and responsible investment.
The newly constructed Burns Unit is expected to significantly improve Sierra Leone’s capacity to treat severe burn injuries and reduce the need for patients to seek specialized treatment abroad, while enhancing the country’s preparedness for medical emergencies involving burn victims.
"This facility is not just a building; it is a lifeline where lives will be saved, where recovery will begin, and where hope will be restored for many of our people."
NP remains dedicated to its "1st for Customer Care" motto, ensuring that our growth translates into better services and community development across the West African sub-region.
Well done NP