Former GMDs drum support for Kyari

From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja

Former The Group Managing Directors (GMDs) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have expressed their unwavering support for the current leadership of NNPC Limited and commended his efforts in advancing the company’s strategic objectives in 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 (former GED E&P – Resource Person), who attended the NNPCL CEO Forum yesterday said they were satisfied with the insight they gained into the oil company’s transition following the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act, the challenges and opportunities.

A communiqué issued and signed by the former GMDs read in part: “We were given an insight into the business activities of NNPC in the context of the dynamics of the global energy sector, strategic aspirations and operational updates. In particular, the oil and gas production growth plan, delivery plan for gas infrastructure projects, progress of refinery rehabilitation and issues relating to supply of petroleum products and energy security were discussed.

“We commend Mele Kyari as the first Group CEO to implement the PIA and note with satisfaction the progress made, with the hope that its limitations will be addressed in due course.

“We also acknowledge with satisfaction the significant progress made in: increasing crude oil and gas production; financing upstream activities and investments; gas supply and infrastructure development for domestic and export, including CNG and LPG supply; progress in the rehabilitation of refineries; reduction of carbon emissions and commercialisation of Nigeria’s vast gas resources.

“We expressed our satisfaction with the results achieved and encouraged the management team to continue developing strategies to improve operations, grow the portfolio and manage talent.

“We are pleased to note that the recruitment policy is being continued, taking into account the principles of diversity and inclusion, as well as performance-based career development through a transparent process.

“We also noted that there is limited information in the public domain about the activities of NNPC since its transition to a private commercial entity. This has led to misleading comments, which we believe are not in line with the progress the company has made.

“We sympathise with the management team over the state of the 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 criminal acts and economic sabotage. Therefore, any activities that hamper oil and gas exploration and production in Nigeria must be punished.

“We appreciate that the PIA has made provisions for the development of the host communities and also ensured sustainable financing. We trust that government security agencies will do the needful and ensure that crude oil theft, illegal refining and pipeline vandal activities are stopped to enable investment and growth of the Nigerian oil and gas sector.”

The former GMDs appreciated the continued support given to the NNPC by all levels of government and the Nigerian people and expressed hope that this would be continued by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Meanwhile, a group, Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora (NPID), has condemned the attacks and called for the sacking of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr Mele Kyari.

The diaspora group made its position known during a press conference in London, United Kingdom, following the recent criticism and allegations against Kyari.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the NPID spokesperson, Dr. Segun Adeyemi, stressed and stated that the group has given Kyari unwavering support to the management of NNPCL and will support him in his great work to reposition the oil and gas sector.

Adeyemi called the criticism unfounded and lacking substantial evidence.

A wide range of stakeholders attended the press conference, including business leaders, members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK and media representatives.

NPID said it would ensure that the public is provided with accurate facts and information on the ongoing discussions about the leadership and performance of the NNPCL.

Adeyemi said: “We have carefully investigated the allegations and concerns against Mallam Kyari and we firmly believe that this criticism is not only unfair but also fails to recognise the significant progress and achievements made under his leadership.

“The NNPCL under the leadership of Mallam Kyari has made tremendous strides in areas such as operational efficiency, financial performance and the implementation of key reforms in the industry. 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 our home country, we have been closely following the recent debate on the leadership of the NNPCL and 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 Group Chief Executive Officer of 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 the Mallam Kyari administration, the NNPCL has undergone a remarkable transformation from a largely opaque and bureaucratic institution to a more streamlined, transparent and commercially oriented entity.

“This has enabled the company to better respond to the needs of the Nigerian population and the wider industry, both within the country and on the global stage.

“We, the Nigerian professionals in the diaspora, unequivocally place our confidence in Mallam Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL.

“We believe he is the right person to lead the company through its current challenges and into a prosperous future for the benefit of all Nigerians, both at home and abroad.”

Meanwhile, he added that the NNPCL needs a man with experience and deep expertise, saying: “The oil and gas industry is a strategic sector for the Nigerian economy, and it requires steadfast and capable leadership to navigate the complexities and uncertainties ahead.

“Mallam Kyari has demonstrated his ability to steer NNPCL in the right direction and we believe his continued leadership is critical to the long-term success of the company and the overall development of the Nigerian oil and gas industry, both domestically and internationally.

“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 country.”