POLITICS TODAY

By Nasir Dambatta

In a resounding affirmation of his transformative leadership and commitment to good governance, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, has been honored with two prestigious awards. Energy Times, a leading energy industry publication, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) national body, have both recognized Kyari’s outstanding contributions to the oil and gas sector, and his unwavering dedication to transparency and accountability.

The first award, conferred by Energy Times, named Kyari the “GCEO of the Year” in recognition of his remarkable achievements in repositioning the NNPC for greater efficiency and productivity. Under his leadership, the corporation has made significant strides in its quest for transparency and accountability, with the implementation of innovative reforms and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing its operational excellence.

The second award, presented by the NUJ national body at its annual conference in Abuja, honored Kyari for his “Exceptional Leadership and Contribution to the Development of the Oil and Gas Sector.” This award is a testament to Kyari’s tireless efforts to promote the interests of Nigeria’s energy sector, and his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people.

Kyari’s double awards are a fitting tribute to his visionary leadership and his unrelenting drive to transform the NNPC into a world-class energy corporation. Since assuming office, he has championed a range of initiatives aimed at repositioning the corporation for greater success, including the implementation of the Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) agenda, which has significantly enhanced the corporation’s operational efficiency and transparency.

Under Kyari’s leadership, the NNPC has also made significant strides in its quest for greater accountability and transparency, with the implementation of innovative reforms and strategic initiatives aimed at promoting good governance and ethical conduct. His commitment to transparency and accountability has earned the corporation international recognition, with the NNPC becoming the first national oil company in Africa to achieve ISO 27001:2013 certification for its information security management system.

Kyari’s awards are not only a personal honor but also a testament to the progress made by the NNPC under his leadership. They serve as a reminder of the importance of good governance, transparency, and accountability in the oil and gas sector, and the need for continued innovation and reform to drive growth and development.

As the NNPC continues to evolve and grow, Kyari’s leadership and vision will remain crucial in shaping the corporation’s future and ensuring its continued success. His double awards are a fitting tribute to his achievements and a reminder of the impact that visionary leadership and good governance can have on the oil and gas sector.

In conclusion, Mele Kyari’s double awards are a well-deserved recognition of his transformative leadership and commitment to good governance. They serve as a testament to the progress made by the NNPC under his leadership and a reminder of the importance of continued innovation and reform to drive growth and development in the oil and gas sector. Herein lies a big lesson for his critics, who wait for the slightest opportunity to try to grab newspaper headlines, calling the man unprintable names or calling for his head. This is also a reminder to all compatriots, that whenever there is fuel scarcity in the country, a true citizen would first try to find out the actual cause and not hang it on the NNPC GCEO, who is already on record, as a no nonsense, trustworthy manager of men and resources. The NUJ has access to all the privileged information about the oil and gas sector, as well as Kyari’s records of performance. Energy Times is a niche publication with primary focus as reporting and updating Nigerians with authentic information and analysis on this all-important sector. The lessons are so glaring.

Dambatta wrote from Kaduna State, Nigeria