President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the new Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). He urged members to use their experience to help rebuild the nation’s economy.
The inauguration took place on Thursday in Abuja. Tinubu asked the board to strengthen the gains of his administration’s ongoing economic reforms. According to him, these reforms have earned Nigeria praise both locally and internationally.
“When I began the search, it took time to find individuals like you,” Tinubu said in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. “You are the best in the industry. You have the experience and the drive to help this country move forward.”
He added that the reforms are already showing results. Consequently, Nigeria is becoming more competitive and resilient.
“Nigeria has come of age,” Tinubu noted. “With a team like yours, I can now focus on other matters. Thank you for accepting this important national duty.”
President Urges Board to Look Inward
Tinubu also called for local solutions to global economic challenges. He said the NNPCL must be repositioned for better performance.
“Explore all options that will benefit Nigeria,” he charged. “I believe in you and I know you will succeed.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, praised the President’s choice of board members. He described the team as the best in Africa.
“I received calls from across the continent. Even OPEC colleagues said if this team fails, Nigeria might need help from another planet,” he said.
In response, the Board Chairman, Ahmadu Kida, thanked the President for the opportunity. He stated that the board had already started holding bi-weekly meetings with stakeholders.
“We have set a clear direction. The mandate you gave us is being taken seriously,” Kida assured.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bashir Ojulari, also spoke at the event. He said the team had begun reviewing operations and improving partnerships.
Ojulari revealed that oil production had risen from 1.5 to 1.7 million barrels per day. He said the target is 1.9 million barrels by year-end.
“We are focused on refinery maintenance and other key areas. We will only promise what we can deliver, and we will deliver,” he concluded.
