By Abdullahi Sabiu
He remains a leader of the oil and gas sector, who has proved that today can be better that yesterday. He has thus become an embodiment of service par excellence.
Malam Mele Kyari, who served as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) from 2019 until his Retirement, implemented several transformative initiatives that significantly impacted Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. His tenure is marked by notable achievements in transparency, profitability, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships.
Transparency and Corporate Governance
Upon assuming office, Kyari introduced the Transparency, Accountability Performance and Excellence (TAPE) agenda, aiming to reform NNPCL’s operations. This initiative led to the corporation’s first profit declaration in 44 years, with a net profit of ₦287 billion in 2020, which increased to ₦674.1 billion in 2021, and further to ₦3.3 trillion in 2023. Additionally, NNPCL began publishing its audited financial statements, enhancing transparency and public trust.
Passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and NNPCL Incorporation
Kyari played a pivotal role in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, a legislative effort that had been stalled for nearly two decades. The PIA facilitated the transformation of NNPC into a commercially driven entity, leading to its incorporation as NNPCL under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) on September 22, 2021.
Infrastructure Development and Gas Utilization
Under Kyari’s leadership, NNPCL initiated and advanced several key infrastructure projects:
Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project
Aimed at enhancing domestic gas utilization and industrialization, with completion targeted for 2023.
Refinery Rehabilitation
Contracts were awarded for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries to boost local refining capacity.
Maiduguri Emergency Power Project
A 50-megawatt gas turbine power plant was constructed to address electricity supply issues in Maiduguri and its environs.
Strategic Partnerships and Investments
Kyari fostered strategic collaborations to enhance NNPCL’s operational efficiency and market competitiveness:
Final Investment Decision on Methanol Plant
A $3.6 billion methanol plant in Bayelsa State, expected to produce 10,000 tons of methanol daily upon completion in 2024.
ANOH Gas Processing Company Funding
Secured $260 million for the development of a gas processing facility to deliver 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day and 1,200 megawatts of electricity.
Nigerian Upstream Cost Optimization Programme (NUCOP)
Launched to reduce crude oil production costs, enhancing competitiveness in the global market.
Security for Oil Installations
For the first time in the history of pipeline vandalization, a massive security structure involving all service chief’s officers was put in place under Kyari’s watch.
Operational Efficiency and Energy Security
Kyari prioritized uninterrupted fuel supply, strategic fuel reserves, and the involvement of NNPCL’s local workforce in projects. He also emphasized regulatory compliance and the rollout of integrated management systems to automate operations.
Malam Mele Kyari’s tenure at NNPCL was characterized by significant strides toward transparency, infrastructural development, and strategic collaborations, laying a foundation for a more efficient and commercially viable national oil company.
