Kyari: Leaving NNPCL in a glorious blaze

Engr. Mele Kolo Kyari’s appointment as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in June 2019 was more than just another leadership change—it was a call to overhaul an institution in dire need of both structural and administrative reorganiation.

With a reputation for diligence and transparency, Kyari embarked on a journey to address long-standing inefficiencies, operational opacity, and dwindling public trust in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. His approach was bold yet strategic, focusing on moderniing operations and redefining the corporation’s image.

From groundbreaking policy changes to fostering innovation, Kyari’s leadership was driven by a determination to leave the NNPCL better than he found it. His vision extended beyond profits, emphasizing national impact and sustainability. In short, Kyari’s leadership has redefined Nigeria’s oil and gas sector in remarkable ways – within a short period.

Since his appointment as the CEO of NNPCL, Kyari has driven the corporation toward unprecedented achievements. Among the most notable are NNPCL’s N3.3 trillion profit, announced in 2024, and the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, two critical assets that had long been dormant.

In November 2024, NNPCL proudly declared the “safe and successful restart of the 60,000 barrels-per-day Port Harcourt Refinery.” This marked a milestone that had eluded the corporation for years, signaling the beginning of a new era for Nigeria’s oil industry.

The news was met with skepticism from some corners, with detractors questioning the authenticity of the refinery’s operations. However, those who matter – from community leaders and labor unions to former Group Managing Directors of NNPCL – visited the refinery and offered resounding praise for Kyari’s leadership.

Even former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, acknowledged the significance of the development, stressing the potential benefits of reduced fuel prices and broader economic gains for Nigerians. Just over a month later, on December 30, 2024, NNPCL made another historic announcement: the Warri Refinery, which had been out of operation since 2015 due to failed repairs, had been re-streamed.

With an operational capacity of 60%, this revitalization was hailed as a win for the country’s energy independence and a major boost to national pride. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lauded Kyari and his team for their stellar feat, underscoring that Nigeria was well on its way to becoming a key player in Africa’s crude oil refining industry.

Kyari’s vision extends far beyond refinery restoration. As part of his broader strategy, he is also focused on unlocking new reserves to ensure Nigeria’s energy future. One such area is the Kolmani Oil Field II & III, located at the crossroads of Bauchi and Gombe states, which is estimated to hold around one billion barrels of crude oil.

These frontier fields, along with the exploration of other underutilized basins such as Bida, Ogun, Anambra, and Sokoto, will form the cornerstone of Nigeria’s future energy security. Innovation is a major focus under Kyari’s leadership, too. In late 2024, NNPCL launched the Production Monitoring Command Centre (PMCC), a cutting-edge initiative designed to revolutionize the way the corporation monitors hydrocarbon production and enhances operational efficiency.

The PMCC aims to provide real-time data, giving stakeholders unparalleled visibility into the oil and gas operations and enabling better-informed decisions. The establishment of the PMCC builds on the success of the NNPCL’s earlier initiatives, including the creation of the Data Control Centre, which monitors the movement of vessels and pipeline networks across Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta.

This technology-driven approach allows NNPCL to ensure the security of its infrastructure while optimizing performance across its assets. As Kyari once said, achieving peak production capacity – three or four million barrels per day – requires overcoming security challenges, particularly in the Niger Delta.

He has made significant strides in this area, with greater investor confidence and ongoing efforts to resolve remaining security issues. Perhaps one of the most profound changes in the corporation under Kyari has been the transparency and accountability he has introduced.

The NNPCL is now the only national oil company in the world that publishes monthly financial and operations reports. This practice, which began under Kyari’s leadership, has set a new global standard for corporate governance in the oil and gas sector.

By sharing its performance and financial data with the public, NNPCL has built trust and fostered a culture of accountability. Kyari also enrolled NNPCL in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a move that strengthened the corporation’s commitment to international standards of governance and anti-corruption efforts.

The EITI’s recent assessment of NNPCL praised the corporation for its efforts to enhance transparency, increase competitiveness, and combat corruption within the oil and gas industry. On the front of alternative energy, Kyari has taken significant steps to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal by leading the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative.

This program aims to provide more affordable and eco-friendly fuel options for Nigerians. Under this initiative, NNPCL has rolled out several CNG stations across Lagos and Abuja, with plans to expand the network further in collaboration with NIPCO Gas Limited. Another key achievement of Kyari’s tenure is the NLNG Train 7 project.

This multi-billion-dollar venture is expected to generate over $20 billion in revenue and create thousands of jobs across the country. Additionally, the Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant project, with its 1,350 MW capacity, is set to revolutionize Nigeria’s power sector, further solidifying Kyari’s legacy as a leader in the country’s energy transformation.

While these accomplishments have drawn praise, they have also faced significant opposition from those benefiting from the old, inefficient system. Nevertheless, Kyari has remained unwavering in his mission, taking bold steps to reform Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and ensuring that the country’s energy future is secured for generations to come.

Though Kyari is presently basking in the euphoria of his 60th birthday (marked today, Wednesday, January 8, 2024), there is no doubt that his leadership has marked a turning point in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. His landmark efforts to revive dormant refineries, boost oil production, improve transparency, and champion energy reforms has left an indelible mark on the nation’s energy landscape.

As Kyari’s time at the NNPCL winds down, his sterling contributions have become a benchmark for effective leadership in Nigeria’s public sector. The trailblazing strides made under his watch have not only strengthened the corporation but also provided a blueprint for tackling systemic challenges in other critical sectors.

Kyari’s legacy is one of resilience and forward-thinking leadership. That is why it won’t be hyperbolic to say that he came to purposefully lead NNPCL, saw the obstacles that stood in the way of the organisation’s progress, yet conquered them with an unyielding resolve and strategic foresight.