The former Group Managing Directors of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have expressed concerns regarding the limited information made available to the public about the company’s operations.
In a post-Petroleum Industry Act CEO Forum hosted by the
NNPC and attended by former GMDs Chamberlain Oyibo, Jackson Gaius-Obaseki,
Funsho Kupolokun, Abubakar Lawal Yar’adua, Austen Oniwon, Andrew Yakubu, and
Abiye Membere, along with senior management personnel, the forum offered
valuable insights into NNPC’s transition, the associated challenges, and the
potential opportunities arising from the new legislation.
According to their interpretation, the lack of information
about the company led to what they described as inaccurate analyses of the
energy company's activities.
“We noted that limited information is in the public domain
on NNPC’s operations since the 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,” the communique stated.
The past GMDs expressed their “unwavering support” for the
current leadership of the NNPC and their efforts in advancing the company’s
strategic objectives across key sectors.
“We obtained insights into NNPC’s business activities in the
context of global energy industry dynamics, strategic aspirations and
operational updates. In particular, the 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 the 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,” the communique partly read.
The ex-NNPC leaders conveyed their satisfaction with the
achievements made and urged the management team to continue developing
strategies to enhance operations, expand portfolios, and manage talent.
The individuals conveyed their approval for the ongoing
recruitment policy, highlighting its focus on diversity, inclusion, and
performance-based career advancement through a transparent process.
Regarding oil theft, the elders sympathized with the NNPC
management team regarding the challenges faced in onshore operations, including
the destruction of over 7,000 illegal refineries and the removal of over 5,000
illegal connections.
“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 communique
added.