A House of Representatives caucus, the Friends of the Masses, has hailed President Bola Tinubu and the Group CEO of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, Engr. Mele Kyari for reviving the oil and gas sector.
The caucus made this known in a joint statement signed by Hon. Seso Ikpagher (Benue, APC) and Hon. Iyawe Esosa (Edo, LP).
The lawmakers described Kyari as the best thing to happen to Nigeria’s oil sector, adding that the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 is one of the numerous reforms birthed by the NNPC GCEO.
The caucus which consists of 50 members drawn from across the country, said the PIA is the most daring attempt to overhaul the petroleum sector, once bedevilled by controversies and uncertainties.
Acknowledging that the expected gains of the Petroleum Industry Act have not been fully actualised, the lawmakers expressed confidence that Nigerians can be hopeful, with Kyari in charge.
The caucus further commended Kyari, saying he is the game-changer in the oil and gas sector not just in Nigeria but the continent.
According to them, the NNPCL GCEO came 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, noting that in just a little over three years later, he said 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,” the statement said.
“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.
“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,” the group said.
