Interview With Mohamed Lamine Sylla: Deputy Director General & Chief Operating Officer, NP GUINEA SAU & NP OIL SA
After several years with SGS Guinea, where I progressed to the position of Assistant OGC Manager, I joined NP Group in December 2018 to support its expansion in Guinea. Since then, I have been contributing to the growth and consolidation of the Group's operations through its subsidiaries, NP GUINEA SAU and NP OIL SA.
Can you tell us about your role at NP Guinea and the key responsibilities you handle in ensuring the Company continues to deliver quality service?
As Deputy Director General and Chief Operating Officer, I am responsible for the strategic and operational coordination of the Group's activities in the Republic of Guinea. My responsibilities include overseeing commercial, logistics and industrial operations, including the management of LPG depots, storage facilities, service stations, petroleum supply and the nationwide distribution network. I am responsible for implementing strategies that ensure the continuous availability of petroleum products and LPG across the Guinean market while maintaining profitability, operational excellence, regulatory compliance and the highest safety standards. I also oversee sales operations, international procurement, transportation and distribution activities, as well as relationships with government authorities, regulatory agencies, institutional partners and the Group's key customers. An important part of my responsibilities is reviewing, supervising and recommending approval of operational requests submitted by employees, distributors and customers, in close collaboration with the Managing Director. I ensure effective coordination among all stakeholders to maintain operational efficiency and high-quality customer service. In addition, I oversee petroleum and LPG importation and customs clearance processes by coordinating with customs brokers, clearing agents and relevant government authorities to ensure timely clearance of imported products, prompt payment of duties and taxes, and uninterrupted supply to the market. As the custodian of the Company's Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment (QHSSE) policy, I ensure compliance with international best practices while continuously strengthening the capabilities of our teams.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
My day usually starts with reviewing operational, commercial and logistics performance reports across our various business units. I then spend much of my time coordinating teams, monitoring product supply, overseeing ongoing projects and engaging with our partners, suppliers, customers and regulatory authorities. No two days are exactly the same, but the objective remains constant: ensuring business continuity, anticipating challenges and identifying new opportunities for growth.
What are some of the major challenges you encounter in your role, and how do you overcome them?
The energy industry faces numerous challenges, including supply chain management, logistics, infrastructure development, regulatory compliance and market volatility. To address these challenges, we rely on proactive planning, operational discipline, strategic thinking and strong teamwork. I firmly believe that effective communication, innovation and responsiveness are essential to turning challenges into opportunities.
Looking back on your journey with NP, how would you describe your experience, professional growth, and the milestones you have achieved during your time with the Company?
My journey with NP has been extremely rewarding. I have had the privilege of contributing to an important phase of the Group's development in Guinea, particularly through the consolidation of the LPG business following the acquisition of Oryx Energies' operations and the expansion of NP OIL SA. This experience has strengthened my expertise in strategic management, operational leadership, business development and project execution. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Dr Mohamed B. Cole, President and Chief Executive Officer of NP Group, for the confidence he placed in me in 2018 when I joined the Group from SGS Guinea. I also wish to thank the successive Managing Directors, especially Mr Edward Conteh, for their guidance, trust and invaluable contribution to my professional development. Finally, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Dr Mohamed Kanu for his invaluable managerial advice, mentorship and continuous support, particularly during the construction of NP OIL SA's service stations. Their leadership and guidance have greatly contributed to my professional growth within the Group.
What achievements or moments in your career at NP are you most proud of?
I am particularly proud to have contributed to the construction and commissioning of four (4) service stations by NP OIL SA between 2018 and 2025, significantly strengthening the Group's retail presence in Guinea. I am equally proud to have contributed to the development of our LPG business through the operation and expansion of the LPG filling plant inherited from Oryx Energies, which has a theoretical storage capacity of 120 metric tonnes. Beyond these infrastructure projects, I take great pride in the growth of our teams and the confidence that our customers and partners continue to place in NP Group.
Beyond your professional responsibilities, what activities or interests help you stay inspired and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I place great importance on family, community development and youth empowerment. I firmly believe that leadership extends beyond the workplace; it is also about making a positive impact on society and inspiring future generations.
What message would you like to share with your colleagues across all NP affiliates?
I would like to sincerely thank all employees across the NP Group for their commitment, professionalism and team spirit. Our collective success is built on hard work, integrity, discipline and the continuous pursuit of excellence. I encourage everyone to keep innovating, learning and contributing actively to the Group's development so that together we can build an even more successful future.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Energy is a key driver of economic and social development. Our mission goes far beyond the distribution of petroleum products; it is about creating value, supporting local development and contributing sustainably to the well-being of our communities. I firmly believe that the future of our industry depends on innovation, operational excellence and, above all, the development of human capital. Investing in training, knowledge transfer and talent development is essential to preparing the next generation of professionals capable of meeting tomorrow's challenges. My hope is to see more highly qualified Guinean professionals emerging in technical, financial and operational fields, contributing meaningfully to the development of the energy sector and the growth of our country. The sustainable growth of our companies will ultimately depend on the sustainable development of our people.
Can you tell us about your role at NP Guinea and the key responsibilities you handle in ensuring the Company continues to deliver quality service?
As Deputy Director General and Chief Operating Officer, I am responsible for the strategic and operational coordination of the Group's activities in the Republic of Guinea. My responsibilities include overseeing commercial, logistics and industrial operations, including the management of LPG depots, storage facilities, service stations, petroleum supply and the nationwide distribution network. I am responsible for implementing strategies that ensure the continuous availability of petroleum products and LPG across the Guinean market while maintaining profitability, operational excellence, regulatory compliance and the highest safety standards. I also oversee sales operations, international procurement, transportation and distribution activities, as well as relationships with government authorities, regulatory agencies, institutional partners and the Group's key customers. An important part of my responsibilities is reviewing, supervising and recommending approval of operational requests submitted by employees, distributors and customers, in close collaboration with the Managing Director. I ensure effective coordination among all stakeholders to maintain operational efficiency and high-quality customer service. In addition, I oversee petroleum and LPG importation and customs clearance processes by coordinating with customs brokers, clearing agents and relevant government authorities to ensure timely clearance of imported products, prompt payment of duties and taxes, and uninterrupted supply to the market. As the custodian of the Company's Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment (QHSSE) policy, I ensure compliance with international best practices while continuously strengthening the capabilities of our teams.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
My day usually starts with reviewing operational, commercial and logistics performance reports across our various business units. I then spend much of my time coordinating teams, monitoring product supply, overseeing ongoing projects and engaging with our partners, suppliers, customers and regulatory authorities. No two days are exactly the same, but the objective remains constant: ensuring business continuity, anticipating challenges and identifying new opportunities for growth.
What are some of the major challenges you encounter in your role, and how do you overcome them?
The energy industry faces numerous challenges, including supply chain management, logistics, infrastructure development, regulatory compliance and market volatility. To address these challenges, we rely on proactive planning, operational discipline, strategic thinking and strong teamwork. I firmly believe that effective communication, innovation and responsiveness are essential to turning challenges into opportunities.
Looking back on your journey with NP, how would you describe your experience, professional growth, and the milestones you have achieved during your time with the Company?
My journey with NP has been extremely rewarding. I have had the privilege of contributing to an important phase of the Group's development in Guinea, particularly through the consolidation of the LPG business following the acquisition of Oryx Energies' operations and the expansion of NP OIL SA. This experience has strengthened my expertise in strategic management, operational leadership, business development and project execution. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Dr Mohamed B. Cole, President and Chief Executive Officer of NP Group, for the confidence he placed in me in 2018 when I joined the Group from SGS Guinea. I also wish to thank the successive Managing Directors, especially Mr Edward Conteh, for their guidance, trust and invaluable contribution to my professional development. Finally, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Dr Mohamed Kanu for his invaluable managerial advice, mentorship and continuous support, particularly during the construction of NP OIL SA's service stations. Their leadership and guidance have greatly contributed to my professional growth within the Group.
What achievements or moments in your career at NP are you most proud of?
I am particularly proud to have contributed to the construction and commissioning of four (4) service stations by NP OIL SA between 2018 and 2025, significantly strengthening the Group's retail presence in Guinea. I am equally proud to have contributed to the development of our LPG business through the operation and expansion of the LPG filling plant inherited from Oryx Energies, which has a theoretical storage capacity of 120 metric tonnes. Beyond these infrastructure projects, I take great pride in the growth of our teams and the confidence that our customers and partners continue to place in NP Group.
Beyond your professional responsibilities, what activities or interests help you stay inspired and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I place great importance on family, community development and youth empowerment. I firmly believe that leadership extends beyond the workplace; it is also about making a positive impact on society and inspiring future generations.
What message would you like to share with your colleagues across all NP affiliates?
I would like to sincerely thank all employees across the NP Group for their commitment, professionalism and team spirit. Our collective success is built on hard work, integrity, discipline and the continuous pursuit of excellence. I encourage everyone to keep innovating, learning and contributing actively to the Group's development so that together we can build an even more successful future.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Energy is a key driver of economic and social development. Our mission goes far beyond the distribution of petroleum products; it is about creating value, supporting local development and contributing sustainably to the well-being of our communities. I firmly believe that the future of our industry depends on innovation, operational excellence and, above all, the development of human capital. Investing in training, knowledge transfer and talent development is essential to preparing the next generation of professionals capable of meeting tomorrow's challenges. My hope is to see more highly qualified Guinean professionals emerging in technical, financial and operational fields, contributing meaningfully to the development of the energy sector and the growth of our country. The sustainable growth of our companies will ultimately depend on the sustainable development of our people.
"Humanity that restores hope is the noblest expression of leadership."
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.