MOSIEND Lists Expectations From New NNPCL Board
Edith CHUKU
A foremost Niger Delta mass mobilization organization, Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in Niger Delta MOSIEND, has emphasized the need for the newly appointed board members of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL, to urgently address critical challenges bedevilling the industry.
MOSIEND listed some of those challenges to include fuel scarcity, pricing irregularities, oil theft, pipeline vandalism and the non-implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act PIA’s, community content provisions.
The pan Niger Delta group also urged the new board, led by Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer GCEO, and Ahmadu Musa Kida as Non-Executive Chairman, to prioritize the replacement of aging pipelines across the Niger Delta creeks.
While congratulating the board members over their appointment, Mosiend commended the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what they described as his strategic foresight in appointing accomplished professionals to lead NNPCL.
The group’s National President, Mr Kennedy Tonjo West noted that, “the distinguished careers and proven track records of the new GCEO and board chairman position them to implement transformative reforms, repositioning NNPCL as a globally competitive oil company.
“As this new leadership takes office, we emphasize the urgency of addressing critical industry challenges, including fuel scarcity, pricing irregularities, oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and the non-implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)’s community content provisions.
“We urge the GCEO to prioritize the replacement of aging pipelines across the Niger Delta creeks, a key step in reducing vandalism and oil theft.
“Additionally, strengthening collaboration with the national security adviser and chief of defence staff will be crucial in enhancing security and boosting oil production.”
Further, West called on the board to, “revive NNPCL’s floating fuel stations to ensure riverine communities have uninterrupted access to petroleum products. Create sustainable job opportunities for Niger Delta youths, reducing dependency on illicit activities.
“Revisit the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal (BPPT) project and explore a similar initiative in the Cawthorne Channel axis of Rivers State to curb illegal refining and drive economic development.
“Encourage International Oil Companies (IOCs) to relocate their headquarters to the Niger Delta, fostering local economic growth and improved stakeholder relations.
“We expect the new board to uphold transparency, fairness, and corporate social responsibility, avoiding past divide-and-rule strategies that have marginalized host communities. This leadership team has an opportunity to redefine industry standards by prioritizing best practices and honoring commitments to stakeholders.”
MOSIEND revealed that, “the challenges ahead are significant, but we have full confidence in this team’s capacity to drive meaningful progress.
“MOSIEND stands ready to support this board through strategic collaboration, professional guidance, and moral backing as they embark on this crucial national assignment.
“Once again, we congratulate the newly appointed NNPCL board members and wish them success in their tenure.”
