From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Former Group Managing Directors (GMDs) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have expressed unwavering support for the current leadership of the NNPC Limited and commended his efforts in advancing the company’s strategic objectives across key sectors.
The ex-GMDs, namely, Dr Jackson Gaius Obaseki, Chief Chamberlain Oyibo, Engr Funsho Kupolokun, Engr Abubakar Lawal Yar’adua, Engr Austen Oniwon, Engr Andrew Yakubu and Engr Abiye Membere (fmr GED E&P – Resource Person), who attended the NNPCL’s CEO Forum yesterday expressed satisfaction with the insight provided to them the oil company’s transition after the Petroleum Industry Act came into force, the challenges and opportunities.
A comminque issued and signed by the former GMDs read in part: “We obtained insights into NNPC’s business activities in the context of global energy industry dynamics, strategic aspirations and operational updates. In particular, oil and gas production growth plan, gas infrastructure project delivery plan, progress on refinery rehabilitation and issues related to petroleum product supply and energy security were discussed.
“We commend Mele Kyari as the first Group CEO to implement the PIA, and noted with satisfaction the progress made with hope that its limitations will be addressed over time.
“We also acknowledge with satisfaction the significant progress made in: increasing crude oil and gas production; Funding of upstream operations and investments; gas supply and infrastructure development for domestic and export including CNG and LPG delivery; refineries rehabilitation progress; reduction in carbon emissions and commercialisation of Nigeria’s vast gas resources
“We expressed our satisfaction in the achievements recorded and encouraged the management team to continue advancing strategies to improve operations, grow portfolio, and manage talent.
“We note with satisfaction the continuation of the policy on recruitment which takes into consideration the principles of diversity and inclusion as well as performance based career progression via a transparent process.
“We also noted that limited information is in the public domain on NNPC’s operations since transition to a private commercial entity. This has led to misleading commentary, which we believe is not in tandem with the strides achieved by the company.
“We empathise with the management team over the state of onshore operations with over seven thousand illegal refineries destroyed and over five thousand illegal connections removed.
“We reiterate that any attack on crude oil and gas facilities as well as illegal refining are acts of criminality and economic sabotage. Therefore, all activities hindering oil and gas exploration and production in Nigeria must be sanctioned.
“We appreciate that the PIA has made provisions for the Host communities’ development and also provided for sustainable funding. We trust that Government Security Agencies will do the needful and ensure that crude oil theft, illegal refining and activities of pipeline vandals are stopped to allow for investment and growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”
The former GMDs while appreciating the support that all tiers of government and the Nigerian citizens have continued to give NNPC and expressed the hope that this would be sustained by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
Meanwhile, a group, Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora, NPID, has condemned attacks and calls for the sack of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr Mele Kyari.
The diaspora group made its stand known during a press conference held in London, the United Kingdom, on the heels of the recent criticism and allegations against Kyari.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the NPID spokesperson, Dr. Segun Adeyemi, emphasized and maintained that the group had given its unwavering support for Kyari’s stewardship of the NNPCL, and would stand with him to continue the great job he is doing to reposition the oil and gas sector.
Adeyemi described the criticisms as unfounded and lacked substantive evidence.
The attendance during the press conference had a wide range of stakeholders, including industry leaders, members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, and representatives from the media.
NPID said it would ensure that the public gets the real facts and right information on the ongoing discussions surrounding the NNPCL’s leadership and performance.
Adeyemi said: “We have carefully examined the allegations and concerns raised against Mallam Kyari, and we firmly believe that these criticisms are not only unfair but also fail to recognize the significant progress and achievements made under his leadership.
“The NNPCL, under Mallam Kyari’s guidance, has made tremendous strides in areas such as operational efficiency, financial performance, and the implementation of key industry reforms. These achievements have had a tangible and positive impact on the Nigerian economy and the lives of our fellow citizens, both at home and in the diaspora.
“As Nigerian professionals living and working outside of our homeland, we have been closely following the recent discourse surrounding the leadership of the NNPCL, and we feel it is our responsibility to contribute to this important discussion.
“We have carefully examined the achievements and contributions of Mallam Mele Kyari during his tenure as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, and we are proud to say that he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to the transformation of the Nigerian oil and gas sector.
“Under Mallam Kyari’s stewardship, the NNPCL has undergone a remarkable transformation, transitioning from a largely opaque and bureaucratic institution to a more streamlined, transparent, and commercially-oriented entity.
“This has allowed the company to become more responsive to the needs of the Nigerian people and the broader industry, both within the country and on the global stage.
“We, the Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora, unequivocally pass a vote of confidence in Mallam Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL.
“We believe that he is the right person to lead the company through the current challenges and into a prosperous future for the benefit of all Nigerians, both at home and abroad.”
Meanwhile, he added that the NNPCL demands a man of experience and deep expertise, saying, “The oil and gas industry is a strategic sector for the Nigerian economy, and it requires steady and capable leadership to navigate the complexities and uncertainties that lie ahead.
“Mallam Kyari has demonstrated his ability to steer the NNPCL in the right direction, and we believe that his continued leadership is crucial for the company’s long-term success and the overall development of the Nigerian oil and gas industry, both within the country and on the international stage.
“We urge all Nigerians, from industry leaders to policymakers and the general public, to rally behind Mallam Mele Kyari and the NNPCL as they work to fulfil their mandate and contribute to the sustainable growth and prosperity of our nation.”