10 Major Ways Mele Kyari Has Soared NNPCL Operations Since Tinubu Came To Power
Sola Onamodu
Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, Mele Kyari, as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has spearheaded several initiatives that have significantly enhanced the company’s operations.
Under his leadership, NNPCL settled a longstanding $2.4 billion debt owed to international oil companies (IOCs), a move that strengthened its financial stability and positioned it as a debt-free entity.
This achievement was further complemented by a record-breaking profit of N3.29 trillion in 2023, marking a major turnaround from previous loss positions.
Kyari’s leadership has also seen the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which resumed operations in November and December 2024 after two decades of inactivity. Kaduna is expected to come on stream this 2025.
This milestone is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
In another strategic move, NNPCL, in partnership with NIPCO Gas Limited, launched an ambitious project to develop 35 state-of-the-art Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations across the country.
This initiative is aimed at providing a cheaper and cleaner fuel alternative, with the capacity to serve over 200,000 vehicles daily.
The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project has also received significant attention, with Kyari playing a key role in advancing its development. Other gas projects like the OB3 are being commissioned.
The AKK pipeline is designed to transport about 2.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day, a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s gas infrastructure.
Transparency and accountability have remained a priority under Kyari’s leadership, with NNPCL consistently publishing its audited financial statements, setting a new standard for public accountability in the nation’s energy sector.
Another remarkable feat has been the steady increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production, which rose to 1.53 million barrels per day in July 2024, reversing years of decline.
At the same time, Kyari has successfully attracted foreign investments, securing a $7 billion deal from India for Nigeria’s petrochemical industry.
This partnership reflects his commitment to expanding NNPCL’s global influence and financial strength.
Kyari has also been instrumental in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), ensuring the smooth transition of NNPCL into a fully incorporated company under the Companies and Allied Matters Act.
This transformation enhances its operational efficiency and financial autonomy, making it a commercially driven entity. Furthermore, NNPCL has embraced digital transformation, incorporating technology into its operations to improve efficiency and minimize human-related operational risks.
Through these strategic reforms, Mele Kyari has played a pivotal role in reshaping NNPCL, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision for a more efficient and self-sustaining energy sector.
His leadership continues to drive positive change, reinforcing NNPCL’s position as a key player in Nigeria’s economic growth and global energy dynamics.
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