Global Anticipation Realized: President Tinubu’s Prescient Reappointment of Malam Mele Kolo Kyari As NNPCL GCEO

BY KABIR KABO USMAN  

“That finding is great, it’s a great showing a team, a team that is unbreakable can be a team of achievers. You took the saddle of NNPC LTD, make a team out of Mele Kyari and his people. I say Mele Kyari Congratulations” – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

In a narrative that unfolds at the intersection of global expectations and astute leadership decisions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foresight in reappointing Malam Mele Kolo Kyari as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC LTD Ltd) has been eloquently acknowledged by Dr. Kabir Kabo Usman, a distinguished policy analyst and Oil and Gas business expert. This strategic move not only solidifies Nigeria’s position in the international energy arena but also reflects a nuanced understanding of global economic dynamics. As a policy analyst, Kabir Kabo offers an incisive commentary on the alignment between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision and the international discourse on effective corporate leadership. The reappointment is not merely a national event; it is a development that resonates with global experts who recognize the impact of stable and visionary leadership on the interconnected dynamics of the oil and gas sector.

In a testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s discerning leadership and keen eye for talent, the reappointment of Malam Mele Kolo Kyari, OFR, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC LTD ltd) stands as a resounding endorsement of both a visionary leader and a nation’s commitment to excellence.

Now as always President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent is exemplified in the reappointment of Malam Mele Kolo Kyari. This alliance of leadership underscores a shared vision for a Nigeria where capable individuals are empowered to drive transformative change, contributing not only to corporate success but also to the overall prosperity of the nation.

The momentous decision echoing from the highest echelons of Nigerian leadership, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has bestowed a resounding vote of confidence in the distinguished Malam Mele Kolo Kyari, OFR, by reappointing him as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC LTD ltd). This monumental announcement not only reaffirms Malam Mele Kolo Kyari’s exceptional leadership but also underscores the synergy between corporate excellence and governmental foresight.

Malam Mele Kolo Kyari’s transformative leadership during his initial tenure has clearly resonated with President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, reinforcing the notion that talent and strategic vision are crucial elements in steering Nigeria towards sustainable growth.

The President’s endorsement vindicates the impact of Malam Mele Kolo Kyari’s leadership on both NNPC LTD ltd and the broader economic agenda.

Under Kyari’s visionary guidance, NNPC LTD LTD has weathered industry challenges and evolved into a symbol of resilience and innovation.

The reappointment reaffirms Kyari’s strategic prowess and unwavering commitment to steering NNPC LTD LTD toward new heights of success. Notably Kyari has been able to make remarkable strides whilst at the helm of the NNPC LTD.

His achievements cut across a variety of issues to transform the NNPC LTD by focusing on Human Capacity Development, Gas Development, Refinery Rehabilitation, and initiatives to support the downstream sector. This chapter highlights some of the many achievements that were recorded under his leadership at the NNPC LTD.

At the upstream Sector, precisely exploration in the inland basins. There was a discovery of hydrocarbon deposits in the Kolmani River II in Bauchi. The drilling of the well culminated in oil being found in commercial quantity on the Upper Benue Trough, Gongola Basin in the Northeast region of the country. This was a landmark achievement for NNPC LTD and the discovery of hydrocarbons in commercial quantity could lead to an increased foreign investment and employment in the region.

In May 2021, Mallam Kyari led the Corporation to sign a series of agreements with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) and other Production Sharing Companies (PSC) partners. This resolved the disputes around another deep off-shore block, OML 118, leading to the renewal of that acreage plus the prospect of a new $10 billion investment in the development of the Bonga South-East Field to boost the nation’s oil reserves and production.

Another achievement of Mallam Kyari is that he was able to lead a resolution of a 1993 PSC dispute which holds over 90% of our Deepwater production which helped pave the way for unlocking over 7 Billion barrels of oil, and 20Tcf of gas reserves.

This translated into a potential investment of up to US$40Bn over the next five (5) years, and at the same time relieved NNPC LTD of almost US$10Bn in contingent liabilities, similarly his leadership led to the introduction of a real-time command and control center responsible for monitoring, locating, and reporting suspicious activities to various security agencies for intervention. These efforts have led to an increase in oil production, recovering to 1.6 million barrels per day at the close of the 2022.

Audacious as it may sound, fuel importation in Nigeria will come a thing of a past, what a way to reclaim your position as NNPC LTD GCEO than to face the National Assembly making such a gigantic declaration ” *All things being equal by the end of 2024 Nigeria will be self-sufficient in refining activities as stated by the man of the moment himself “I can Confirm to you that by the end of December this year we will start the Port Harcourt refinery, early 2024 Warri refinery and by December 2024 Kaduna Refinery will come in to operation, this is our commitment and you can hold us accountable”.

As the custodian of Nigeria’s vast oil and gas resources, NNPC LTD plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economic prosperity.

Kyaris’s leadership has been characterized by a holistic approach, considering not only the economic aspects but also the broader social and environmental impacts of the company’s operations.

In the spirit of responsible and sustainable business practices, Kyari has consistently emphasized the importance of community engagement, environmental stewardship, and corporate social responsibility.

This holistic approach aligns with the evolving expectations of stakeholders in the global energy arena.

On the global stage, where economic landscapes are intricately connected, the reappointment of Malam Mele Kolo Kyari resonates as a decision aligned with the expectations of industry experts, financial analysts, and diplomatic circles.

President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s prescience in recognizing and retaining a leader of Malam Mele Kolo Kyari’s caliber is viewed as a strategic move that aligns with global economic trends and demands.

As Kyari embarks on this renewed term, the global business community eagerly anticipates the unfolding of innovative strategies and ground breaking initiatives. Their ability to balance short-term gains with long-term sustainability positions NNPC LTD as a trailblazer in the industry.

This international accolade is not just a recognition of Kyari’s individual accomplishments but a celebration of NNPC LTD’s continued contributions to the global business landscape. It serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders and a benchmark for organizations aiming to achieve both financial success and societal impact.

In celebrating the reappointment of Malam Mele Kolo Kyari, Nigerians also applaud President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s foresight in fostering a culture of excellence. May this collaborative journey between an insightful President and an accomplished GCEO continue to elevate Nigeria’s standing on the global stage and inspire future leaders to emulate this model of visionary leadership.

…Kabir Kabo Usman, Ph.D. former DG/CEO of Nigeria’s Centre for Management Development (CMD), a petrochemical and hydrocarbon chemistry expert, writes from Abuja.