By Ahmid Lawal Abuja A group called the Forum of Niger Delta Entrepreneurs (FONDE) has lent its support to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachukwu over a statement credited to him stating he would resign if Nigeria still imports petroleum products by 2019. In a statement, the President of FONDE, Mr. Abiye Festus Abibo, said that “the forum of Niger Delta Entrepreneurs commends the boldness and doggedness of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachukwu for taking the bulls by the horns in making such a bold statement.” “It is only someone with clarity of vision that can make such a statement in Nigeria. Dr Kachuckwu should be commended and supported towards ensuring that the country stops the importation of petroleum products.”
Mr. Abibo also stated that it is achievable for Nigeria to stop the importation of petroleum products because of the proactive measures introduced by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. “What the minister said is achievable and a bold step in the right direction. We the entire members of FONDE are in total support of the reforms in the oil and gas industry,” the statement read. FONDE in the statement also commended the minister and the NNPC management board and the various heads of its downstream subsidiaries that consist of young and dynamic individuals. “We also support the drive and proactiveness of the GMD NNPC, Dr. Makanti Baru, GED Refi neries, Engineer Anibor Karagha, GED Downstream, Mr. Henry Obih and the MD NNPC Retail, Mr. Yemi Adetunji for their devotion and commitment to bringing about a turnaround in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
