Mele Kyari at 60: Still Solid at the Helm of NNPCL
As Mele Kyari approaches his 60th birthday, the rumour mills continue to spin stories of an imminent exit. But close sources are similarly passionate in affirming he will remain at the helm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Many agree that Kyari’s leadership has been marked by resilience and transformation.
Under Kyari’s stewardship, NNPCL shifted from deep losses to remarkable profitability. From a deficit of N803 billion in 2018 to a record-breaking profit of N3.3 trillion in 2023, his leadership turned adversity into triumph. The numbers speak, but the impact reverberates far beyond balance sheets.
A steady hand is needed to tackle the challenges of oil theft and pipeline vandalism, and Kyari has proven to be that hand. By strengthening collaborations with security agencies and contractors, he restored stability in the Niger Delta and revitalised crude oil production to over 1.78 million barrels per day.
The TAPE agenda—Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence—embodies Kyari’s vision for NNPCL. Through it, he introduced reforms that brought efficiency and openness to a sector often shrouded in opacity. These changes set a new benchmark, earning him recognition at home and abroad.
Kyari’s initiatives have not been limited to crude oil. His push for the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative signals a pivot towards sustainable energy solutions. This program is believed to have sufficient potential to make transportation more affordable, creating opportunities for the economy to thrive while addressing climate concerns.
Critics may whisper, but Kyari’s accolades, including awards from two presidents, reflect the trust placed in him. Friends and allies dismiss the detractors as envious voices in the shadows, unable to dim the shine of his achievements.
Like a steady captain steering through turbulent waters, Kyari continues to pilot NNPCL with unwavering focus. As whispers of his departure fade, his resolve to build a legacy of growth and innovation remains firm. Age, it seems, is but a number when vision drives the wheel.
