Business

Setting the record straight: Meritocracy and milestones at NNPC, By Olufemi Soneye

Published

11 months ago

December 28, 2024

185 Views

It is important to address the concerns raised in Farooq Kperogi’s recent article, “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC”, and to clarify some of the misconceptions about the operations and leadership structure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

First, employment, promotions, appointments, and movements of business leaders at the NNPC are not influenced by ethnicity, tribe, religion, or political affiliation. Therefore, decisions within the NNPC are guided strictly by merit, business requirements, and expertise.

This approach ensures that only the most qualified and competent individuals occupy positions that are critical to the company’s success. It is significant that our company focuses on efficient and effective service delivery, which is anchored on the commitment of qualified work team.

The NNPC prides itself on being a professional organisation with a diverse leadership lineup that includes individuals from various parts of the world, not just Nigeria. The presence of qualified foreigners in the employ of the NNPC, who have been bolstering the value chain of production and distribution of allied products, is verifiable.

It is, thus, sad that a professor of Mr Kperogi’s standing would resort to and play up the issue of ethnic identities in the configuration of the work team in NNPC just to demonise President Tinubu.

This editorial preoccupation of Mr Kperogi is nothing but sheer red herring, ostensibly orchestrated to detract the President’s disciplined leadership that upholds the freedom of the NNPC as well as the company’s work ethic that has produced its strings of sterling performances.

Under the leadership of Mele Kyari, the NNPC has achieved remarkable milestones and recorded several “firsts” in the industry.

These milestones were not defined, coloured or contoured by primordial fault-lines of tribe and religion. They were inspired by the collective drive for excellence.

These milestones include groundbreaking advancements in exploration, production, and global partnerships that were previously thought unattainable.

This success is a testament to the company’s focus on competence and professionalism rather than on parochialism as insinuated in the editorial offerings by Mr Kperogi.

Regarding Mr Kperogi’s notions about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is essential to highlight that Mr President has not interfered in the operations or leadership movements within the NNPC. On the contrary, his administration has introduced transformative policies that have added immense value to the oil and gas sector and the broader Nigerian economy.

President Tinubu’s approach has been to empower institutions like the NNPC to operate independently while fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation.

His reforms have set a benchmark that has significantly improved the sector, surpassing the achievements of many of his predecessors.

It is disappointing that individuals like Mr. Kperogi, who have lived and observed governance structures abroad, would overlook these accomplishments and focus on divisive narratives.

Symbolism, while important, must not overshadow the substantive achievements and transformative impact of policies and leadership on national development.

We extend an open invitation to Mr. Kperogi to visit the NNPC and witness firsthand the professionalism, sacrifices, and daily efforts that go into driving Nigeria’s economic engine.

He will see a team that works tirelessly to contribute to the growth of our economy and the prosperity of our nation.

The NNPC remains committed to fostering unity, embracing diversity, and upholding the principles of meritocracy. It is through such commitments that we can continue to work to achieve and strengthen national cohesion and position Nigeria as a global leader in the energy sector.

We urge commentators and stakeholders alike to base their assessments on hard facts and evidence, rather than conjectures, for the greater good of our nation.

■ Olufemi Soneye is the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPC Ltd.

Business

Following Lagos, FG moves to ban single-use plastics

In his inaugural address, the SGF, George Akume, stated that the initiative aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental standards.

Published

14 hours ago

November 12, 2025

OCHEFA

23 Views

The Federal Government has commenced the process to ban single-use plastics, inaugurating a committee to steer the policy.

Lagos government began fully enforcement ban on single-use plastics (SUPs), including styrofoam packs, plastic straws, disposable cups, plastic cutlery, and nylons less than 40 microns thick, on July 1, 2025.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) , yesterday , set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Ban of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs).

Earlier, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) during its meeting on June 25, 2024, approved the ban , specifically targeting Polyethene Terephthalate (PET) bottles, styrofoam food packs, plastic shopping bags, sachet water packaging, and plastic straws.

In his inaugural address, the SGF, George Akume, stated that the initiative aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental standards.

He said: “The FEC decision was in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle various health and environmental challenges, especially those caused by single-use plastic products and therefore, approved the ban in the country of polyethene terephthalate (PET) bottles, styrofoam, plastic bags, sachet water and straw, which has become an environmental sanitation challenge.”

Business

UBA commits $102m direct investments in Chad’s securities

Themed “Financing African Competitiveness – Building Bridges, Powering Progress,” the forum highlighted investment opportunities under Chad’s $30 billion Tchad Connexion 2030 development blueprint.

Published

15 hours ago

November 12, 2025

OhiBaba

26 Views

•Oliver Alawuba, GMD UBA

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced a $102 million direct investment in the State of Chad’s securities in an efforts to strengthen economic growth and financial inclusion across Africa.

The announcement was made by UBA Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, during his keynote address at the UAE–Chad Trade and Investment Forum held on Monday, November 10, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

According to Alawuba, the $102 million investment underscored UBA’s confidence in Chad’s economic potential and demonstrates its long-term commitment to financing sustainable development on the continent.

“At UBA, our commitment is two-fold: we are both architects of national infrastructure and champions of grassroots financial inclusion,” he said. “Here in Chad, this is not a promise; it is a proven track record.”

Business

Dangote Fertiliser Limited Partners German’s Firm to License Four Urea Granulation Units

Commenting on the partnership, Nadja Haakansson, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde, said: “This partnership with Dangote Fertiliser Limited underscores our shared vision for sustainable industrial development and global food security.

Published

2 days ago

November 10, 2025

OCHEFA

32 Views

Thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertilizer Technology (UFT), a subsidiary of thyssenkrupp Uhde, has entered into a strategic agreement with Dangote Fertiliser Limited (DFL) to license its advanced UFT Fluid Bed Granulation Technology for four new urea granulation units in Nigeria.

The agreement includes the provision of the technology license, a comprehensive Process Design Package (PDP), and the supply of proprietary equipment such as granulators and scrubbers.

Each of the four new units will have a nameplate capacity of 4,235 metric tons per day, significantly boosting DFL’s annual urea granule production from approximately 2.65 million tons to over 8 million tons.

These units will be constructed in Lekki, adjacent to DFL’s existing fertilizer complexes, which have been operating with UFT technology since 2021 and produce 3,850 metric tons per day each.

The new facilities will incorporate UFT’s energy-efficient scrubbing system, designed to minimize pressure drop while effectively controlling dust and ammonia emissions to meet stringent environmental standards.

Additionally, the plants will feature the Ammonia Convert Technology (ACT), which integrates ammonium sulfate byproducts into the urea granules, eliminating waste streams and offering logistical and commercial advantages.

By deploying our proven UFT®️ Fluid Bed Granulation Technology, we are setting new standards in efficiency and environmental stewardship in fertilizer production. We are proud to support DFL in building resilient and future-ready value chains.”

In the same vein, President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said: “We are pleased to deepen our collaboration with thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertilizer Technology for the expansion of our fertilizer operations in Lekki.

This initiative reflects our commitment to agricultural self-sufficiency and industrial progress across Africa.

With UFT®️ technology, we are ensuring the production of high-quality urea fertilizer that meets global standards while reducing environmental impact.

This investment further positions Nigeria as a leading fertilizer producer.”

Dangote Fertiliser Limited is one of Africa’s largest fertilizer producers, committed to enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting food security across the continent while thyssenkrupp Uhde’s UFT®️ Fluid Bed Granulation Technology is recognized globally as one of the most advanced solutions for producing urea granules.

Currently, over 70% of the world’s urea granule output is produced using this technology, contributing significantly to global food supply while maintaining emissions well below regulatory limits.