Former NNPCL MD, Mele Kyari
BY AMOS MATHEW, Kaduna–
Northern groups known as the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and Northern Awareness Network (NAN) have extended their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Mele Kyari upon his retirement from the position of Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), following his commendable tenure under both former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration.
President General of AYCF, Yerima Shettima and Chairman of NAN Salihu Suleiman in separate statements while reflecting on Mr. Kyari’s numerous accomplishments, said it is evident that his leadership has significantly transformed the Nigerian oil and gas sector, and setting a solid foundation for future growth and sustainability.
According to the youth leaders, since his appointment on July 8, 2019, Mr. Kyari has been a beacon of innovative reforms, guiding the NNPCL with a robust operational blueprint that has not only reduced costs but also improved profitability for the national oil company.
“His strategic focus on operational efficiency and transparency has marked a significant departure from the past, ushering in an era of accountability that has been long overdue for an organization historically plagued by corruption and mismanagement.
“Under Mr. Kyari’s visionary leadership, the Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) agenda has effectively dismantled the culture of opaqueness that once characterized the NNPC. This transformative approach has fostered a new culture within the organization, one that prioritizes integrity and performance, thus restoring public trust in the management of Nigeria’s oil resources”.
Shettima on his part averred that one of the most notable achievements during Mr. Kyari’s tenure has been the partnership with Italian oil giant Eni to rehabilitate and upgrade our nation’s refineries, adding that with a target of achieving full production capacity by 2023, this initiative not only promises to enhance local refining capabilities but also aims to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products which is a critical step towards energy independence and economic self-sufficiency.
“Moreover, Mr. Kyari has overseen the establishment of a new trading subsidiary and a crude oil marketing division, alongside the implementation of a cutting-edge performance management system. These initiatives have streamlined operations and enhanced the NNPC’s competitiveness in the global market, positioning Nigeria as a key player in the oil and gas industry.
“In addition to these operational reforms, Mr. Kyari has been a champion for environmental sustainability. His commitment to increasing domestic gas utilization, reducing the energy mix, and minimizing the carbon footprint of the NNPC has led to the development of new gas infrastructure and the expansion of existing facilities. Under his guidance, Nigeria has emerged as the largest producer of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in Africa and ranks among the top ten producers globally.
“This not only enhances our energy security but also opens up new avenues for economic diversification through the promotion of gas-based industries, including petrochemicals and fertilizers.
As Mr. Kyari embarks on the next chapter of his life, the AYCF acknowledges the indelible mark he has left on the Nigerian oil and gas sector”.
Shettima also said, Kyari’s dedication, integrity, and visionary leadership have not only transformed the NNPC but have also contributed to the broader goals of national development and economic prosperity.
On his part, Suleiman said, “one of the most notable achievements during Kyari’s leadership was the successful settlement of a $2.4 billion debt with international oil companies (IOCs). This long-standing financial burden had hampered the growth and stability of Nigeria’s oil sector for years. Clearing this debt not only liberated NNPCL from financial constraints but also positioned the company as a debt-free entity, fully prepared for sustainable investment and growth”.
NAN said such milestone is a testament to Kyari’s strategic foresight and dedication to fostering a robust economic environment.
It further stated that Kyari’s tenure also witnessed the complete removal of fuel subsidies, a bold move that, while initially challenging, has liberated resources and opened avenues for investment, adding that the reform has created a more stable economic landscape, allowing NNPCL to focus on its core activities, including improving gas infrastructure and expanding renewable energy efforts.
“These initiatives reflect Kyari’s understanding of Nigeria’s broader economic potential and his commitment to positioning the nation as a regional energy leader.” It stated
