Emmanuel OchayiIn an address during the inauguration of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Board at the State House on Monday, President Bola Tinubu emphasized the urgency for the newly formed board to deliver results promptly.
Highlighting a zero-tolerance policy toward non-performance and a firm stance against entitlement, Tinubu set the tone for the expectations and consequences facing the board members.
Speaking directly to the appointed members, the President expressed, “The challenge is corporate governance. Yes, we will improve the security situation. We are working very hard. Sincerely, the Chief Executive Officer, 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.”
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Acknowledging the importance of corporate social responsibility, especially in the Niger Delta region heavily affected by oil exploration, Tinubu emphasized the need for respect and care for the region.
“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,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity for infrastructure development and environmental protection in the area.
Furthermore, Tinubu directed attention to Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy, urging a stronger commitment to gas while stressing the significance of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“We need to show that we are committed to the welfare of our country,” he emphasized, placing responsibility on the Cabinet members and Board to strategize for increased production, profitability, and enhanced governance.
Addressing the President’s call for action, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Chairman of the Board, acknowledged the removal of petrol subsidy and emphasized the need to focus on production increment while combating theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.
“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 assured.
Tinubu’s directives underscore the critical responsibilities entrusted to the NNPCL Board, signaling a new era of heightened accountability and performance expectations within the Nigerian petroleum sector.
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