President Bola Tinubu has urged NNPCL’s new board to consolidate the gains of the ongoing economic reforms, which have attracted commendations for the resilience and competitiveness of the Nigerian economy.

Speaking at the board’s inauguration at the State House, Mr Tinubu said he selected the members painstakingly to ensure quality leadership.

“When I started searching, it took a while to come up with the kind of character that you represent. You represent the best in the industry, and I have set goals for you,” said the president, according to a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

“You have the reputation, resourcefulness and experience to help the country. It is a call to duty for you. I believe you are among the best the industry can offer,” the president added.

The president said the ongoing economic reforms had yielded results, with local and international acknowledgements.

“Nigeria has come of age. It is now more competitive and turning the corner, and with your highly respected team, I can relax and attend to other issues.

“Thank you for accepting the opportunity to serve your country and our dear country,” Mr Tinubu stated.

He told the board that the volatility in the world’s economy would require looking inward for solutions, and Nigerians would depend on repositioning the NNPCL.

The president said, “Explore all options for a win-win situation for Nigeria. I am so proud of you and believe you will succeed.”

Heineken Lokpobiri, the minister of state for petroleum, thanked the president for assembling the team he described as the best in Africa.

“I got calls from the whole of Africa, my colleagues in OPEC, saying that if this team does not deliver, Nigeria will have to import men from another planet to come and deliver the oil and gas sector in Nigeria,” said Mr Lokpobiri.

Ahmadu Kida, the board’s chairman, thanked the president for the opportunity to serve the country.

He said the new board would uphold the highest standard of leadership, courage and integrity in delivering on the president’s mandate.

NNPCL chief Bashir Ojulari said the team had already met with industry stakeholders to review operations and business relationships.

“We have had several meetings, and we have set a direction with the mandate that you have given us. We have commenced the journey with a bi-weekly meeting with stakeholders,” stated Mr Ojulari.

Mr Ojulari noted that the management had started optimising various aspects of the company, including the turnaround maintenance of the refineries.

He said production had risen to 1.7 million barrels in two months from 1.5 million barrels, with the target of reaching 1.9 million barrels by year-end.

“We will promise what we can deliver, and we will deliver on our promise,” he added.

The NNPCL chief also mentioned that the president’s economic reform had sent the right signals to attract foreign direct investments.

(NAN)