Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), Hon. Odianosen Okojie, has called on the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bayo Ojulari, to uphold national interest as a guiding principle in leading the country’s foremost oil corporation.
President Bola Tinubu earlier this week appointed Ojulari to replace Mele Kyari as GCEO of NNPCL in a major shake-up aimed at revitalising the oil and gas industry.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, Okojie congratulated the new leadership and expressed optimism that Ojulari’s wealth of experience across critical segments of the petroleum value chain would steer the company towards a more productive and transparent future.
“Your assignment is a call to the service of your fatherland,” the statement read. “I urge you to be guided by national interest in the discharge of this duty. With your experience, I have no doubt that the oil and gas sector is in capable hands.”
The lawmaker stressed the need for urgent improvement in crude oil production, which he said is essential for addressing the country’s recurring revenue shortfalls. He noted that oil remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy and must be operated at an optimal level to ensure sustainable development.
“It is our expectation that you will walk your talk by improving crude oil production to an enviable height,” Okojie added.
Wishing Ojulari and his team success in their new roles, Okojie also commended the outgoing NNPCL leadership led by Mele Kyari for its contributions to the nation’s oil sector.
“The achievements of Kyari and his team cannot be dismissed. Their roles in the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the resuscitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, and efforts to secure the nation’s oil assets are commendable,” he said.
Okojie, who represents Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency in Edo State, concluded by extending his best wishes to Kyari in his future endeavours.