2 days ago
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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the newly inaugurated Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) to consolidate the gains of ongoing economic reforms and reposition the energy sector as a catalyst for national growth.
Speaking during the inauguration at the State House, Abuja, the President said the board members were carefully selected for their experience, integrity, and industry track record.
“When I began the selection process, it was deliberate and meticulous. I sought individuals of high character and proven competence,” Tinubu said.
“You represent the best of the best. This is a national call to duty, and I trust in your ability to deliver results.”
He noted that his administration’s economic policies were already yielding results, with growing local and international confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
“Nigeria is turning the corner.
We are becoming more competitive, and with a team like yours leading NNPC, I can focus on other pressing national priorities,” the President stated.
Tinubu urged the board to embrace innovative, home-grown solutions to economic challenges, stressing the need to optimize NNPC’s operations for national interest.
“Explore all options to ensure Nigeria wins. I’m proud of this team and confident that you will deliver on our shared vision,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, commended the President for assembling what he described as the most formidable team in Africa’s oil and gas sector.
“I’ve received congratulatory messages from across the continent and even among OPEC colleagues,” Lokpobiri said. “Many believe that if this team doesn’t deliver, then perhaps we’ll need to import people from another planet.”
Chairman of the NNPC Ltd Board, Ahmadu Musa Kida, thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, promising that the board would uphold the highest standards of leadership and accountability.
“We are committed to delivering on the mandate you’ve given us. We will act with integrity and transparency,” Kida said.
Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said the company had already initiated key stakeholder engagements to align NNPC operations with the administration’s reform agenda.
“We have commenced bi-weekly meetings with stakeholders to ensure we are moving in the right direction,” Ojulari said.
He revealed that oil production had risen to 1.7 million barrels per day, up from 1.5 million, with a target of 1.9 million barrels by year-end. He also highlighted ongoing efforts in refinery turnaround maintenance and operational efficiency.
“We will make only realistic promises—and we will meet them,” he said. “Your reforms have sent the right signals, and investor confidence is growing. NNPC will now operate as a business.”
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