Former NNPC GMDs Express Support for Current GMD at CEO Forum
The former Group Managing Directors (GMDs) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), now a limited company, have expressed their unwavering support for the current leadership under Mele Kyari. They commended the significant progress made in advancing the company’s strategic objectives across key sectors.
At the NNPC Limited (NNPCL) CEO Forum, attended by senior management staff and the former GMDs listed below, discussions focused on the company’s transition post-Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), challenges, and opportunities. The forum provided insights into NNPC’s business activities within the context of global energy industry dynamics, strategic aspirations, and operational updates. Key topics included oil and gas production growth plans, gas infrastructure project delivery, refinery rehabilitation progress, and issues related to petroleum product supply and energy security.
The former CEOs praised Mele Kyari as the first Group CEO to implement the PIA and expressed satisfaction with the progress made, hoping its limitations will be addressed over time. They acknowledged significant achievements in:
- Increasing crude oil and gas production.
- Funding upstream operations and investments.
- Developing gas supply and infrastructure for domestic and export, including CNG and LPG delivery.
- Progress in refinery rehabilitation.
- Reducing carbon emissions and commercializing Nigeria’s vast gas resources.
They encouraged the management team to continue advancing strategies to improve operations, grow the portfolio, and manage talent. The former NNPC leaders also praised the continuation of recruitment policies that prioritize diversity, inclusion, and performance-based career progression through a transparent process.
The former GMDs noted that limited public information on NNPC’s operations since its transition to a private commercial entity has led to misleading commentary, not reflecting the strides achieved by the company. They empathized with the management team over the challenges in onshore operations, highlighting the destruction of over seven thousand illegal refineries and the removal of over five thousand illegal connections.
They reiterated that attacks on crude oil and gas facilities, as well as illegal refining, are acts of criminality and economic sabotage. They called for sanctions against activities hindering oil and gas exploration and production in Nigeria. They appreciated the PIA’s provisions for host communities’ development and sustainable funding.
The former GMDs trust that Government Security Agencies will ensure the cessation of crude oil theft, illegal refining, and pipeline vandalism to foster investment and growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. They also appreciated the support from all tiers of government and Nigerian citizens, trusting that this will be sustained by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The former GMDs and a former GED who attended the Forum include:
- Dr. Jackson Gaius Obaseki
- Chief Chamberlain Oyibo
- Engr. Funsho Kupolokun
- Engr. Abubakar Lawal Yar’adua
- Engr. Austen Oniwon
- Engr. Andrew Yakubu
- Engr. Abiye Membere (Former GED E&P – Resource Person)
