By Emma Ogbuehi
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday directed the incorporation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
He also appointed Senator Ifeanyi Araraume chairman of the board, while Mele Kolo Kyari and Umar I. Ajiya are Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively.
A statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, which was made to TheNiche, said Buhari acted in his capacity as Minister of Petroleum Resources.
“This is in consonance with Section 53(1) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which requires the Minister of Petroleum Resources to cause for the incorporation of the NNPC Limited within six months of commencement of the Act in consultation with the Minister of Finance on the nominal shares of the Company,” the statement said.
Adesina said the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr Mele Kolo Kyari, has, therefore, been directed to take necessary steps to ensure that the incorporation of the NNPC Limited is consistent with the provisions of the PIA 2021.
“Also, by the power vested in him under Section 59(2) of the PIA 2021, President Buhari has approved the appointment of the Board and Management of the NNPC Limited, with effect from the date of incorporation of the Company.
Other Board Members are Dr Tajudeen Umar (North East), Mrs Lami O. Ahmed (North Central), Mallam Mohammed Lawal (North West), Senator Margaret Chuba Okadigbo (South East), Barrister Constance Harry Marshal (South South), and Chief Pius Akinyelure (South West).