The Energy Security Watch Group (ESG) has praised the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, for his unwavering commitment to the success of Nigeria’s downstream sector. The group called on detractors to desist from distracting Kyari and instead, in the spirit of patriotism, support him for the betterment of all Nigerians.

In a media statement issued by the Director of Communication, Ihuoma Nduka Edede A., the ESG highlighted the significant transformations that have occurred under Kyari’s leadership over the past four years. Despite mounting opposition to some of his reform initiatives, Kyari has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to implement energy policies that enable the federal government to monetise all available oil and gas resources, both presently and in the future.

“His commitment to transitioning Nigeria into a gas-powered nation, leveraging the country’s abundant natural gas reserves, which exceed 209 trillion cubic feet, is unwavering,” the statement read.

Under Kyari’s leadership, the NNPC has been actively involved in building critical gas infrastructure, including pipelines like the OB-3 Gas Pipeline and the AKK Gas Pipeline, to promote the use of gas in the domestic market. Additionally, the NNPC is engaged in major projects such as the West Africa Gas Pipeline, the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, NLNG Train 7, and Floating LNG Projects to supply gas to the global market.

The statement also noted NNPC’s expanding presence in the power sector, with investments in Independent Power Plants (IPPs) such as Afam VI and Okpai Phases 1 and 2. Plans are underway to build three new power plants along the AKK Pipeline corridor in Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano.

Further, the NNPC, under Kyari’s stewardship, entered into a turnkey Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) to construct the Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant project.

“These are just some of the giant strides recorded by Kyari at the NNPCL. For consolidation and sustainability, he should be given more years to lead the company and the Nigerian oil and gas sector, especially the downstream, for the country to reap the benefits,” the statement concluded.

The Energy Security Watch Group’s endorsement underscores the importance of Kyari’s ongoing reforms and calls for collective support to ensure continued progress and economic stability in Nigeria’s energy sector.