•’Use Your Experience To Turn Nigeria’s Economy Around
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has charged members of the new Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to bring their experiences to bear on current efforts to transform the country’s economy.
Tinubu charged the new Board members: “When I started searching, it took a while to come up with the kind of character that you represent. You represent the best in the industry, and I have set goals for you.
“You have the reputation, resourcefulness and experience to help the country. It is a call to duty for you. I believe you are among the best the industry can offer.”
Speaking further while inaugurating the Board at State House, Abuja, on Thursday, May 22, the President said he was painstaking in choosing the members to ensure quality leadership.
Tinubu said the ongoing economic reforms had yielded results, with local and international acknowledgements, noting: “Nigeria has come of age. It is now more competitive and turning the corner, and with your highly respected team, I can relax and attend to other issues.
“Explore all options for a win-win situation for Nigeria. I am so proud of you and believe you will succeed.
“Thank you for accepting the opportunity to serve your country and our dear country.”
Chairman of the Board, Ahmadu Kida, thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the country, asuring nthat the new Board would uphold the highest standard of leadership, courage and integrity in delivering on the president’s mandate.
On his part, the GMD/CEO, Bashir Ojulari, said the team had already met with industry stakeholders to review operations and business relationships, adding: “We have had several meetings, and we have set a direction with the mandate that you have given us.
“We have commenced the journey with a bi-weekly meeting with stakeholders.”
Ojulari said the management had started optimising various aspects of the company, including the turnaround maintenance of the refineries, noting that production had already risen to 1.7 million barrels in two months, up from the earlier 1.5 million barrels, with the target of reaching 1.9 million barrels by year-end.
“We will promise what we can deliver, and we will deliver on our promise,” he stated, adding that the President’s economic reform had sent the right signals to attract foreign direct investments, assuring that NNPCL would operate as a business.
Other members of the 11-member Board are Adedapo Segun and Bello Rabiu, representing the Northwest; Yusuf Usman, representing the Northeast; Babs Omotowa, a former managing director of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), representing the North Central; Austin Avuru (South-South), Non-Executive Director; David Ige, representing the Southwest and Henry Obih, representing the Southeast.
Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary,the Federal Ministry of Finance, will serve as the ministry’s representative, while Aminu Said Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Top government officials present at the ceremony include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, and Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
All the appointments officially took effect from April 2, 2025.
