The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, has expressed confidence in the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd., under Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, to deliver on ongoing reforms and set new benchmarks for corporate governance in Africa’s extractive industry.
Dr. Orji made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Thursday, where he commended the vision of the new NNPC Ltd. management. He noted that the leadership change comes at a defining moment for Nigeria’s extractive sector, marked by reforms, growing investor confidence, and increased indigenous participation.
He urged NNPC Ltd. to stand as a model of transparency, accountability, efficiency, and civic engagement, stressing that these values are crucial to restoring public trust and safeguarding the company as Nigeria’s greatest national asset.
In his response, Engr. Ojulari reaffirmed NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to global best practices, pledging closer collaboration with NEITI to deepen disclosures and strengthen corporate governance.
In terms of full compliance with NEITI principles and global EITI standards, you have my full commitment. We are undertaking internal transformation to improve transparency in operational reporting and performance reviews,” the GCEO said.
Ojulari also highlighted that NNPC Ltd. has resumed publication of its monthly financial and operational reports and enhanced internal reporting structures to ensure accountability. He added that the company would rely on NEITI’s expertise in performance reviews and was fully prepared to provide comprehensive data for the forthcoming 2024 and 2025 Oil and Gas Audits, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and timeliness.
