By: Edward Kabba Sesay
Fuel tanker drivers affiliated with NP Sierra Leone Limited have initiated an industrial strike on Tuesday, 21st October 2025, citing years of alleged maltreatment, poor welfare conditions, unfair dismissal practices, and a lack of respect for their contributions to the company and the nation’s fuel supply chain. Their action has raised widespread concern, with fears that prolonged disruptions could lead to fuel shortages, increased transportation costs, and interruptions to essential public and private services across the country.
According to the striking drivers, NP Sierra Leone Limited’s management has continuously failed to acknowledge their importance in the company’s operations. They claim that decisions made by the company’s administration often neglect their safety, welfare, and dignity. “Without us, the products cannot move. Yet we are treated as if we do not matter,” one driver lamented. The protest, therefore, is not solely about salaries but also about respect, recognition, and humane working conditions.
The drivers allege that many are not on the official payroll, while those who are receiving minimal pay. They further complain that even the meager salaries they earn are often delayed or difficult to access. The situation, they say, places a heavy financial burden on their households and hampers their ability to care for their families.
One particularly emotional grievance shared by the workers concerns the treatment of drivers involved in road accidents while on duty. A driver, transporting fuel to the provinces, was involved in an accident near the Mabaylay Ferry, where both the vehicle and fuel were destroyed. Instead of receiving support or concern for his life, the driver was allegedly detained and accused of selling the company’s fuel, and was told he had to pay for the losses. “Had he died, what would have happened to his wife and children?” a colleague asked, voicing the anguish felt by many.
Another traumatic incident involved a colleague who tragically died in a tanker accident and was burnt beyond recognition. The drivers claim the company did not visit the grieving family, offer condolences, or contribute to funeral expenses. “Before the seventh-day ceremony, he was already replaced,” a worker recalled sorrowfully. Such treatment, they argue, reflects a lack of humanity and appreciation for their sacrifices.
In addition to these welfare concerns, drivers also highlighted operational challenges, such as insufficient fuel allocation for long-distance trips. For instance, they say a journey requiring 200 liters of fuel is often provided with only 150 liters by management, forcing drivers to find the remaining amount on their own. This situation creates unnecessary pressure, exposing them to risks, exploitation, and misunderstandings.
The workers also accused the Operations Manager, Alhaji Williams, of allegedly treating them in an “inhumane and degrading” manner. They claim that his management style has contributed significantly to their frustrations, citing instances of indiscriminate suspensions and dismissals without benefits. On one occasion, 64 drivers were reportedly dismissed in a single day under the supervision of another senior officer, Mr. Vandy, with no severance or compensation.
Moreover, the drivers say they are not provided with allowances, including funds to pay toll gate charges while transporting fuel. They also claim that some operational procedures, such as calibration during offloading, are done incorrectly by operational staff, leading to disputes for which drivers are unfairly blamed.
During the ongoing strike, management reportedly called the Barracks Police Division to intervene to calm the situation. However, the drivers insist that dialogue and genuine resolution not police presence are necessary to end the standoff. They are calling on the Ministry of Labour and the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) to conduct an independent investigation and ensure fairness in the resolution process.
This medium is currently seeking a response from NP Sierra Leone Limited management to provide a balanced and credible report. The situation remains tense, and the nation is closely watching as negotiations, interventions, or escalations unfold.