In an unexpected but heartfelt gesture, Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesperson and vocal critic of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), has issued a public apology to Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, on the occasion of his 60th birthday. The apology, published by Okupe on his personal platform, marks a dramatic shift in his stance towards Kyari’s leadership of the national oil corporation, and is being widely regarded as a testimony to the profound changes within the Nigerian petroleum sector under Kyari’s stewardship.
For years, Dr. Okupe, along with other critics, was a strong voice questioning the efficiency and integrity of NNPCL, especially during its early days. “We were skeptical, and I openly dismissed the NNPCL’s ability to deliver on its promises,” Okupe confessed in his public note, acknowledging his past skepticism. At the time, many Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, expressed similar doubts, particularly regarding the effectiveness of the leadership of Mele Kyari.
“I had no faith in NNPCL and its leadership, much like many others,” Okupe admitted, revealing how his own views once aligned with the widespread criticism of the institution. However, in a stunning reversal, Okupe praised Kyari for his role in not only changing the fortunes of NNPCL but also revitalizing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
From Criticism to Commendation: The Impact of Kyari’s Leadership
What sparked this remarkable transformation in Okupe’s perspective? According to Okupe, the key factor is Kyari’s leadership in reshaping NNPCL into a far more dynamic and responsive entity. Among the most significant achievements highlighted in Okupe’s apology is the progress NNPCL has made in revitalizing Nigeria’s refineries, which had long been in disrepair.
“Under Kyari’s leadership, the corporation has breathed new life into the country’s oil and gas infrastructure. The once-dormant refineries are now showing signs of revival,” Okupe stated, adding that these efforts were critical to reducing the nation’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
Kyari, who has been at the helm of NNPCL for several years, is often credited with spearheading a comprehensive overhaul of the corporation’s operations, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and strategic partnerships with both local and international stakeholders. This revitalization is not just in infrastructure but also in NNPCL’s financial performance. Under his guidance, the corporation has seen significant improvements in profitability, and its operations have become more aligned with global best practices.
A particularly notable achievement, according to Okupe, is the reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at the pumps. “The strategic initiatives and effective management by NNPCL have contributed significantly to the downward trend in the price of petrol, offering a much-needed relief to Nigerians facing economic pressures,” Okupe said.
The reduction in petrol prices has had a ripple effect on various sectors, helping to ease the burdens on average Nigerians who have long struggled with the fluctuating costs of fuel. For a nation where transportation costs are tied directly to fuel prices, this development has been hailed as a crucial step toward improving the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
The Revival of Hope in the Petroleum Sector
The NNPCL, once a symbol of inefficiency and mismanagement, has become a success story under Kyari’s direction. This shift has led many, including some of the corporation’s harshest critics, to revise their opinions. Okupe, in his apology, emphasized that his own change of heart was not just about the visible achievements but also the integrity and commitment with which Kyari approached his work.
“For me, it is not just about the tangible results; it is also about the vision, integrity, and resilience Mr. Kyari has shown in the face of significant challenges,” Okupe noted, acknowledging that NNPCL’s transformation was not an easy feat. In a country long plagued by corruption and mismanagement in state-run enterprises, Kyari’s efforts stand out as a beacon of change. Under his leadership, NNPCL has moved towards greater accountability, with more transparent operations and enhanced collaboration with stakeholders.
However, Kyari’s work is far from finished. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and fluctuating global oil prices, Kyari remains focused on ensuring that NNPCL continues its upward trajectory. Okupe, in his message, expressed confidence in the future, urging Kyari to persist in his mission to deliver long-term solutions for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“I believe Mr. Kyari’s vision for a more prosperous future for Nigeria is one that will yield great rewards in the coming years. I look forward to seeing his continued success,” Okupe said, offering words of encouragement and congratulations on the occasion of Kyari’s 60th birthday.
