Northern groups under the auspices of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and Northern Awareness Network (NAN) have congratulated Mr Mele Kyari on his achievements as the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Kyari served as GCEO and NNPC under Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu.
In separate statements, the president-general of AYCF, Yerima Shettima, and the chairman of NAN, Salihu Suleiman, reflected on Mr Kyari’s numerous accomplishments, saying it is evident that his leadership has significantly transformed the Nigerian oil and gas sector and set 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 reduced costs and improved profitability for the national oil company.
Suleiman said, “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 organisation 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 characterised the NNPC. This transformative approach has fostered a new culture within the organisation that prioritises integrity and performance, thus restoring public trust in the management of Nigeria’s oil resources.”
On his part, Shettima 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 the nation’s refineries.
He added that the initiative has enhanced local refining capabilities and significantly reduced Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, 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 utilisation, reducing the energy mix, and minimising 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 Africa’s largest producer of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) 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 fertilisers.
“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 said.
