Ministerial Screening: Kachikwu Promises To Instill Transparency, Speed In NNPC
***Takes A Bow After An Hour Of Thorough Screening
The group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, has said that if he is confirmed as minister of petroleum, he will instill transparency and speed in the sector.
He made this statement during the Nigerian senate ministerial screening, on Wednesday in Abuja.
After giving details of his background, Kachikwu said he has had 30 years’ experience in the oil industry, adding that he is privileged to be in the upper chambers, to be screened by the senate.
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Mr. Kachikwu also dismissed the social media reports which claimed that the NNPC planned to remove subsidy on PMS and kerosene. He said the NNPC was working on a policy that will see the production of more kerosene.
According to Kachikwu, Nigeria loses $15 billion a year because of the absence of the Petroleum Industry Bill.
“Strategic reserves and sustenance of refineries will be our priority” he said.
Mr Kachikwu further explained that once PIB is broken up into realistic aspects, then progress begins.
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He however noted that he won’t be constrained by the lack of PIB, but will continue work with the existing laws for now.
Speaking on the nations refineries, Kachikwu said that lack of maintenance was responsible for the shutdown of some refineries.
He added that crude oil is not given to refineries that are not running properly.
He said he was planning what he called “NNPC Manual” which would be published to address relevant issues in the sector monthly.
“I now do a weekly broadcast to all of our Staff members as well as a Monthly Town Hall Meeting”, Mr Kachikwu said.
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Mr. Kachikwu said if confirmed minister, he would consolidate on the changes he has brought into the oil industry in the last six weeks of his appointments as GMD of NNPC.
After exhausting all questions, Mr. Kachikwu was asked to take a bow and leave.
