Kyari: Redefining Excellence At NNPCL To Silence Detractors
Once again, Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), exemplifies success in the face of adversity, echoing Frank Sinatra’s sentiment that “the best revenge is massive success.”
Despite the incessant campaigns of misinformation and character assassination against NNPC Ltd by malefactors within the nation’s oil sector, Kyari displays resilience, professionalism, and delivers outstanding results in Nigeria’s oil and gas industries.
Recently, a coalition of civil society organizations demanded investigations into alleged sabotage within the refinery turnaround plans, urging for Kyari’s dismissal. The group criticized Kyari’s management, claiming it was detrimental to local refineries and profit-driven, allegedly hindering energy self-sufficiency and job creation. They threatened widespread protests across the 36 states if their demands weren’t met.
Throughout the machinations aimed at his tenure, Kyari remains unfazed, committed to transforming the deficient narrative of the oil and gas sector. His introduction of the TAPE Agenda (Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence) has revitalized NNPCL, aligning it with global competitors and bolstering national prosperity.
Under Kyari’s stewardship, NNPC Ltd is lauded as one of the world’s leading oil entities, functioning on globally-acclaimed management principles. His leadership confronts and resolves major economic challenges, notably the crude oil theft crisis plaguing Nigeria since the advent of democracy in 1999.
Kyari spearheaded the introduction of the “Crude Theft Monitoring Application,” which facilitates real-time incident reporting and validation of crude sales documents. His proactive approach led government officials into the Niger Delta creeks, unveiling a massive oil theft operation involving a four-kilometer illegal connection siphoning oil for nearly a decade.
These collaborative efforts have notably curbed pipeline vandalization and boosted Nigeria’s crude oil output, reaching approximately 1.8 million barrels per day. This achievement was celebrated in a recent meeting at the NNPC Headquarters, reflecting investor renewed confidence under Kyari’s visionary leadership.
The oil production rate of 1.8 million barrels per day was announced during a high-level meeting, underscoring the potential to surpass even the two million barrels per day target set for December.
Kyari’s leadership catalyzes substantial investments in Nigeria’s gas sector, enhancing its contributions to the GDP. In the second quarter of 2024, the sector recorded a GDP growth rate of 3.52%, signaling recovery and growth, fueled significantly by gas industry expansions.
NNPC Ltd promotes strategic gas development projects, including major gas pipelines and processing facilities, such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline. This infrastructure facilitates domestic gas supply and export capabilities, enhancing national and economic growth.
Kyari’s tenure since 2019 marks a turnaround for NNPC Ltd, transforming a history of losses into profitability through transparency and operational efficiency enhancements.
The company collaborates with partners to tackle Nigeria’s energy challenges, securing a $7 billion investment from India for Nigeria’s petrochemical industry. The agreement, projected to create jobs and generate revenue, highlights the synergy between Nigerian resources and Indian markets.
In response to the pivot in global energy policies, post-fuel subsidy removal, Kyari orchestrated partnerships to develop Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations nationwide. The initiative, in collaboration with NIPCO Gas Limited, reflects NNPCL’s commitment to sustainability and offers cheaper, alternative fuels.
This strategic partnership will deploy 35 state-of-the-art CNG stations, significantly reducing the transport sector’s carbon footprint and driving sustainable economic growth.
In summary, Kyari’s substantial contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector demonstrate his commitment to constructive change. His achievements warrant commendation rather than vilification, highlighting a need to shield the oil and gas industry from sabotage for Nigeria’s resurgence. With crude oil and gas underpinning 70% of Nigeria’s budget revenues and 95% of foreign exchange earnings, safeguarding and advancing this sector remains paramount.
