- Forum Emphasizes Strategic Progress Post-PIA
Amidst evolving perceptional challenges, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) have been given a resounding vote of confidence and increased support as the corporation hosted a CEO forum today, July 20, 2024.
Attended by former Group Managing Directors (GMDs) and Senior Management Staff of NNPC, the forum held discussions on NNPC’s strategic direction post Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and its implications.
The former GMDs expressed unwavering support for the current leadership’s efforts in advancing the company’s strategic objectives across various sectors.
Key topics of discussion included NNPC’s plans for oil and gas production growth, progress on gas infrastructure projects, refinery rehabilitation efforts, and issues concerning petroleum product supply and energy security. The forum highlighted the global energy industry dynamics influencing NNPC’s strategic aspirations and operational updates.
A communique issued by the past GMDs at conclusion of the forum commended Mele Kyari, NNPC’s Group CEO, for initiating the implementation of the PIA and acknowledged the progress made under his leadership, with hopes for addressing its limitations in due course.
Significant achievements noted included;
- Increased crude oil and gas production,
- Funding for upstream operations,
- Advancements in gas supply and infrastructure development (including CNG and LPG delivery),
- Refinery rehabilitation progress, and
- Reductions in carbon emissions.
The former GMDs expressed satisfaction with NNPC’s achievements and encouraged the management team to continue enhancing operational strategies, expanding the portfolio, and managing talent effectively.
They also appreciated NNPC’s commitment to recruitment policies promoting diversity, inclusion, and transparent career progression based on performance.
Concerns were however raised about the limited public information available regarding NNPC’s operations since its transition to a private commercial entity, which has contributed to misleading commentary not aligned with the company’s goals.
The forum expressed empathy towards the management team regarding the challenges faced in onshore operations, marked by the demolition of over seven thousand illegal refineries and removal of more than five thousand illegal connections.
There was emphasis that any acts targeting crude oil and gas facilities, along with illegal refining constitute criminal behavior and economic sabotage. Thus, the past NNPC helmsmen stressed the importance of imposing sanctions on activities that obstruct Nigeria’s oil and gas exploration and production.
The communique further acknowledged the provisions made by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the development of host communities and 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”, noted the past GMDs’.
They concluded by expressing gratitude for the unwavering support provided by all tiers of government and Nigerian citizens to NNPC. They also reiterated their believe that this support would continue under the current administration of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Among those who attended include 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, a former GED E&P, who doubled as a resource person at the forum.
