This Day
By Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
After working with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for roughly three decades, the Group Managing Director of the national oil company, Mallam Mele Kyari, has disclosed that aside from President Muhammadu Buhari, other Nigerian political leaders in the past interfered in the corporation’s operations.
Speaking at the 17th All Nigerian Editors’ Conference which was held in Abuja, where he was Special Guest of Honour, Kyari described the development as historic, stressing that it was the first time the corporation was being allowed to operate professionally.
Buhari was Nigeria’s Military Head of State between 1983 and 1985 and was Minister of Petroleum in the late 70s, a position he currently retains even as civilian president. The NNPC was established in 1977, about 44 years ago.
A statement by Spokesman of the corporation, Mr. Garba Muhammad, indicated that Kyari spoke at the event which held at the NAF Conference Centre organised by the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) themed: ‘Media in Times of Crisis: Resolving Conflicts, Achieving Consensus’.
On the NNPC’s refineries and the role they play in ensuring energy security for the country, the GMD said the NNPC management under his leadership was keen on changing the narrative and getting the refineries back on stream.
According to him, this will be made easier by taking advantage of the “free-hand” given to the management by the president to “do the right thing”.
“This is the first time in history that NNPC and its subsidiaries are allowed to do things the way things should be done. Now, I can confirm to you that we have taken responsibility and we will fix the refineries.
“We have started the process, contractors have been mobilised to…
