Ahmadu Kida, chairman of the board of directors of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has outlined a new vision for the company, anchored on collaboration, accountability, and strong governance.

Mr Kida said this at a leadership panel session at the ongoing Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

He said that NNPCL was undergoing a transformation from a directive government entity into a commercially driven and globally competitive energy company.

Mr Kida noted that his leadership approach, which is collaborative and participatory, was drawn from his background as a basketball player and administrator. He therefore stressed the importance of teamwork and personal responsibility.

“Everybody has a job; there is therefore a need to collaborate in a way that all function optimally. My leadership style is very collaborative, but everybody must also be accountable. If you shoot and miss, you have to own it,” he said.

The NNPC chairman said the company’s ongoing ‘Fit for the Future’ initiative was designed to benchmark its operations against global standards and identify areas for improvement.

He stated that the company’s strategy for change was based on two key pillars: the infusion of experienced industry professionals into leadership roles and the establishment of robust governance frameworks to promote trust and transparency.

“We put in place processes, procedures, and governance structures that make staff understand that we are seeking the best from them in an honest and transparent way. The greatest asset of the company is its people; if you treat them well, they will deliver results,” Mr Kida said.

He advised emerging leaders to lead with humanity and respect, treating their subordinates the same way they would want to be treated.

“Treat everybody like a human being. Respect them, make them accountable, and always walk the talk,” he said.

NNPC Ltd. is Nigeria’s national energy company, established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

It operates as a commercially viable and sustainable global energy entity and is participating in the ADIPEC 2025.

ADIPEC is one of the world’s largest energy conferences, which brings together industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to discuss innovation and the future of the global energy sector.

(NAN)