NNPCL: Engr. Hashim Applaud Tinubu for Appointing Ojulari, Kida

NNPCL: Engr. Hashim Applaud Tinubu for Appointing Ojulari, Kida

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

One of the prominent members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr Abdullahi Hashim, has lauded President Bola Tibubu’s appointments of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr Bayo Ojulari and the Non Executive Chairman of the company’s Board, Engr Ahmadu Kida.

During an interview with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Hashim expressed his approval of the appointments, stating, “It is refreshing to note that individuals with vast engineering, technical, and leadership experience are now at the helm of the NNPCL. I wish to say with a high sense of responsibility that the appointments align with global best practices in energy governance.”

Hashim, an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard University and a member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), emphasized the importance of having experienced professionals lead the national oil firm.

He believes that Ojulari and Kida are well-equipped to transform NNPCL into a profitable venture, stating, “The strategic appointments were pivotal to achieving sustainable energy security, infrastructural growth, and economic development.”

Engr. Bayo Ojulari, hailing from Kwara State, holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigeria Council). Meanwhile, Engr. Ahmadu Kida, from Borno State, possesses an engineering degree from ABU and a postgraduate diploma in petroleum engineering from the French Petroleum Institute.

Hashim expressed confidence in the capabilities of both Ojulari and Kida, asserting, “They are very competent for the jobs. They are active players in the oil industry with the requisite experience. They know what is at stake and the targets set for them by President Tinubu.

“I’m confident that the duo and other members of the management team will meet the targets and take the NNPCL to greater heights,” he added

Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Hashim acknowledged the volatility of the oil industry, noting the efforts of former GCEO Mele Kyari and his management team.

He stated, “Ojulari, Kida, and the new management team are now in charge and will use their expertise and wide knowledge of the oil industry to take us forward in our quest to maximize the advantages of being one of the world’s producers of crude oil.”

Hashim highlighted the extensive experience of both leaders, particularly Ojulari’s previous roles as Managing Director of SNEPCo and General Manager of Deepwater, as well as Kida’s impressive 32-year career in the oil and gas sector, which includes significant contributions to major projects at Total Exploration & Production Nigeria (TEPNG).

With the new leadership in place, Hashim believes the NNPCL is poised for  growth that will positively impact the country. He noted that President Tinubu has set goals for the new management team, including a strategic portfolio review of NNPCL-operated and joint venture assets to ensure alignment with value maximization objectives.

A statement from the President’s spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, outlined Tinubu’s expectations, stating, “Since 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented oil sector reforms to attract investment. Last year, NNPC reported $17 billion in new investments within the sector. The administration now envisions increasing the investment to $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030.”

The President’s vision includes raising oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million by 2030, alongside increasing gas production to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030. Furthermore, he expects the new board to elevate NNPC’s share of crude oil refining output to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and reach 500,000 by 2030.