For reviving the nation’s oil and gas sector, President Bola Tinubu and the Group CEO of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Malam Mele Kyari, have received commendation from some members of the House of Representatives.
The 50-member “Friends of the Masses’’, a caucus of the lower chamber from across the geo-political zones of the country, noted with satisfaction the political will of Tinubu in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021 assented to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari with the removal of petrol subsidy.
In a statement signed by Hon. Seso Ikpagher (Benue, APC) and Hon. Iyawe Esosa (Edo, LP) on behalf of the G-50, the caucus described Kyari as the best thing to happen to Nigeria’s oil sector, describing the PIA as one of the numerous reforms birthed by the NNPCL GCEO.
“The PIA is the most audacious attempt to overhaul the petroleum sector, once bedevilled by controversies and uncertainties.
“Although the expected gains of the Petroleum Industry Act have not been fully actualized, we are optimistic that with Kyari, Nigerians can be hopeful,’’ said the lawmakers, who lauded Kyari as the game-changer in the oil and gas sector not just in Nigeria but in the African continent.
They, however, noted that Kyari came on board as the helmsman of the oil company at a turbulent period characterised by low production, burgeoning vandalisation of oil pipelines, oil theft on a grand scale, and demoralised staff of the company.
“Just a little over three years later, the story is different. The signing of the PIA by former President Muhammadu Buhari was perhaps the biggest breakthrough for Kyari as it opened the door for more significant changes in the national oil giant.
“We can’t forget how he worked for the passage of the PIA. Today, we have a new, refreshed, and rejuvenated NNPC. He has gone a step further to initiate new investment benchmarks to further rejuvenate the once-ineffective company.
“Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is now on a transformative path, unlocking opportunities for growth and prosperity in the sector. The end of the fraudulent subsidy regime was another milestone.
“Under the leadership of Kyari, the company has taken significant steps towards enhancing transparency and accountability in the industry. One of the ways he has done this is by publishing monthly financial and operational reports, ‘’ the representatives also said.
They stated: “For Kyari, it is about the country. and together with other distinguished colleagues, we have vowed to support him in breaking new grounds and achieving more.’’
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