Theresa Igata

The NNPC has said it is committed to continue to make petroleum products available to the citizenry in all parts of the country, to avoid scarcity and to save Nigerians from unwarranted sufferings of the past. This was according to the Group Managing Director, NNPC, Maikanti Baru.

Speaking at the NNPC day at the Lagos International Trade fair, Baru alluded to the fact that PMS is now available in all parts of the country. According to him, as part of the Corporation’s commitment to effectively serve Nigerians, “we have stepped up purposeful engagement with key stakeholders, and periodic reports of the corporation’s activities are published and presented in the public domain to promote transparency and accountability”

“Management of the NNPC more than ever before is committed to running the Corporation efficiently for the benefit of the Nigerian economy, all Nigerians and other stakeholders”, he said.

Baru who was represented by Samson Makoji, General Manager, External Relations, NNPC, added that as part of efforts to enhance activities of the NNPC,  it has in addition to other existing exploration activities officially mobilised for the exploration of hydro carbons in the Nasarawa and Benue basins.

“NNPC is currently implementing various projects to enhance the utilisation and monetisation of natural gas to promote energy security for the Nigerian economy.”

“With the Corporation’s 14 subsidiaries, and a huge value chain,  this will enable us become experts in the various parts of the business.”

The president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nike Sande had earlier in her opening remarks called on the Federal Government to wield the needed political will to ensure the passage of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, PIGB,  without further delays.

“We believe that the PIGB will create a conducive regulatory environment that would open up the sector to both local and foreign investors for competitive growth and development in line with international best practices”.

She added that the global competitiveness Index of the WEF this year ranked Nigeria 125th,  an improvement from last year’s 127th,  after examining all indicators.

“I am therefore glad to confirm to you all, that the Nigerian investment climate is gradually improving with renewed investments in some critical infrastructure like: rail, transport and the on-going reforms in the ports”.

“The regulatory environment is also being strengthened with the fight against corruption, introduction of Code of Corporate Governance and the recently signed Executive Orders by the FG”, she said.