The Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria has called for the extension of the tenure of Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
The call, which was contained in a press statement issued by PETROAN’s national Public Relations Officer, Joseph Obele, came as several groups and people have asked that Kyari should step down as the GCEO of the company following his attainment of the retirement age of 60.
But PETROAN said the exit of Kyari at this time could create a leadership vacuum that would negatively impact on the future of the NNPCL.
Obele said leaving the NNPCL GCEO to stay on is in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, which did not impose age limits for chief executive officers of limited liability companies.
“The NNPC was restructured into a limited liability company under the PIA, aligning it with the Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAMA, which imposes no age or tenure limits on management. Moreover, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the power to extend the tenure of office for any office holder in any government parastatal or companies where the government has equity,” he said.
The PETROAN PRO said the National President of PETROAN, Dr. Billy Gillis Harry’s recommendation of tenure extension for Kyari took into cognizance his recent achievements, which he said include commissioning the Port Harcourt refinery and Warri Refinery, with promises to commission the second Port Harcourt refinery and Kaduna refinery soon.
“Under his administration, Nigerian crude oil production has increased significantly from 1.4 million barrels per day to 1.8 million barrels, with a promise to boost it to two million barrels per day,” he said.
PETROAN said a change in administration may not be healthy “at this success harvesting session,” and invited MEMAN, DAPPMAN, NUPENG, PENGASSAN, and other oil industry stakeholders to join in the call for the continuation of Kyari’s tenure.
“Extending Mele Kyari’s tenure would ensure continuity and stability in NNPCL’s leadership, allowing him to complete his ongoing projects and initiatives. This would benefit the company, the industry, and the country as a whole.”
Meanwhile, PETROAN has praised the management of NNPCL and President Tinubu over the resumption of operations at Warri refinery.
As reported on Monday, December 30, 2024, the WRPC in Delta State has resumed full operations, producing 125,000 barrels per day. This milestone achievement was announced by Mallam Mele Kyari, Group CEO of NNPCL, during a tour of the facility.
Obele said, “PETROAN commends the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, for its unwavering commitment to the development of the Nigerian petroleum industry. The recent commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, Dangote Refinery, and now the Warri Refinery, demonstrates the government’s resolve to ensure energy security and economic growth.
“We also appreciate the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in this achievement, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), led by Farouk Ahmed,” he said.
The Warri Refinery’s production capacity of 125,000 barrels per day, along with its annual production of 13,000 tons of polypropylene and 18,000 tons of carbon black, will significantly contribute to meeting the country’s energy demands and boosting economic growth.
“PETROAN congratulates the Managing Director of Warri Refinery, Efifia Chu, and all stakeholders involved in this remarkable achievement. We look forward to continued collaboration and growth in the Nigerian petroleum industry.”
The National President of PETROAN Dr Billy Gillis Hary had told reporters in Abuja that the resumption of operations at Warri refinery was the greatest New Year gift to the downstream sector operators, citizens of Nigeria and stakeholders, saying it would have significant impact on Nigeria’s economy.
“This increased domestic production will definitely lead to a reduction in inflation, as the availability of petroleum products increases and prices stabilize. Additionally, the refinery’s operations will create employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, contributing to the country’s economic growth,” he said.
Harry listed some of the specific economic benefits of the Warri Refinery’s commencement as follows: Increased Government Revenue, Improved Energy Security, reduction in Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, job creation, reduced Inflation, increased availability of petroleum products and competitive pricing.