The Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, has thrown the gauntlet at stakeholders to evolve innovative ways of repositioning the sector and ensure its sustainable growth amid COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the “new normal’’ brought about by Coronavirus had made it imperative for up-skilling human capacity within the industry for the next phase and also develop the capacity to attract, train and retain people in the sector.
Kyari spoke on Tuesday at the opening of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Energy Industry Transformation Summit (NEITS) 2020 in Abuja on the theme: “Changing Global Energy Landscape: Repositioning for Industry Sustainability”.
He stressed the need for industry players to think of strategies that focus on people, partnerships, profit, and posterity.
“There must be collaboration across different dimensions; government, industry, academia, and, particularly, with the communities where we carry out our operations. The social license to operate is critical to the Industry’s long term survival.
“Also, a partnership among Industry peers to chart new ways of resolving Industry challenges and preparing for tomorrow cannot be overemphasized. I am delighted the SPE provides such a veritable platform,” Kyari said in a press statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs ivision, Dr Kennie Obateru, and given to Persecondnews.
For sustainability, he said, industry players must learn to manage cost, improve efficiency and deliver required cash flow (margins) for reinvestment and expansion.
“Without creating profit today, we would not be in a position to take advantage of the opportunities that keep us viable and ready for tomorrow,’’ the GMD said, urging players to make decisions with posterity in mind.
“We must bequeath to the next generation a world worthy to live in. Our operations must, therefore, be carried out in a safe manner without adversely impacting the environment. As you know, most discussions around energy substitution or the green economy stem from looking at the Industry as ‘dirty’ and ‘unconscionable’.
“It must be reiterated that our industry remains the bedrock of modern human existence. We must, therefore, work to create a positive view if we are to remain relevant in the long run,” he said.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said the proposed Petroleum Industry Bill would ensure that the abundant natural gas resources are used to promote national development.
He promised that the ministry would promote domestic gas utilization to create job opportunities for Nigerians.
Earlier in a keynote address, the President, SPE International, Shauna Noonan, clarified that the concept of energy transition was not to wipe out fossil fuel but an aspiration for cleaner energy.
She said the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Nigeria Council, had a great role to play in reducing energy poverty, noting that energy transition was important for greater value in the global oil and gas industry.
The Chairman, SPE Nigeria Council, Mr. Joseph Nwakwue, said the society was ready to offer professional services and work with all stakeholders to move the industry forward.
He said the Society was committed to capacity building for the required skills for the oil and industry operations.
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