President Bola Tinubu on Monday inaugurated the newly reconstituted board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL), at the presidential villa, Abuja.
Chairman of the board, Chief Pius Akinyelure, told State House Correspondents after the ceremony that the new management was determined to reposition the company in supporting the government to improve the country’s economy.
Akinyelure commended President Tinubu for removing petrol subsidy, a decision he said, halted Nigeria from drowning in debt.
“Our focus is to increase production. We must address the problem of stealing and pipeline vandalization in the Niger Delta. We are aware of the efforts in the past, but we will do more,’’ he said.
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President Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale challenged the NNPCL board to immediately get to work, warning that non-performance will not be tolerated.
President Tinubu also warned that conducts suggesting a sense of entitlement will not be tolerated, and that the Board could be dissolved without prior notice to members over non-performance.
“The challenge is corporate governance. Yes, we will improve the security situation. We are working very hard. Sincerely, the Chief Executive Office, Kyari, is doing very well, and doing all that I know.
“But you could be suddenly dissolved if there is no sustained excellence in performance. It is my honour to inaugurate this Board, which has people of great integrity. I am honoured that we are doing this. I recognize all of you,’’ the statement said.
President Tinubu said corporate social responsibility for the Niger Delta must be taken seriously, considering the devastating effects of oil exploration and exploitation on the environment.
“Niger Delta must be seen as the goose that lays the golden egg, and we must treat that region with the deserved respect and care. It is not asking for too much to ensure quality and constant water supply, schools, medical facilities, and roads.
“It is not about us. It is about the well-being of the entire country and the lifeblood of the nation. We should care more about the environment. We will do more for security to minimize stealing and vandalization,’’ he stated.
The President directed that more attention should be given to gas as Nigeria transitions to cleaner energy, adding: “We need to show that we are committed to the welfare of our country.”
“Take a look at the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and know what the pitfalls are. The Cabinet members and Board should decide what we can do differently for production increase, profitability, and governance. It is in your hands. I will work with you,’’ he said.
