Mele Kyari Advocates Academia-Industry Collaboration for Energy Sufficiency
Abdulbasit Abdulkareem
In a bid to tackle the pressing challenges of energy sufficiency and sustainability in Nigeria, Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), has called for increased collaboration between academia and the Oil & Gas Industry.
The call came during the GCEO's Lecture at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) on Wednesday, January 17th, where he was honored with the Faculty of Science Excellence and Innovation Award. The lecture, titled "Energy Security, Sustainability and Profitability in Nigeria: Advances, Challenges, and Opportunities," emphasized the crucial role that academic institutions, such as OAU, play in ensuring national energy security through research and collaborative efforts with the industry.
Addressing challenges hindering energy security, Kyari identified rapid population growth, pipeline vandalism, and crude oil theft. He stressed the significance of energy conservation, diversification, and efficiency measures as essential strategies for bolstering energy security.
In response to the threats posed by pipeline vandalism and oil theft, Kyari highlighted NNPC Ltd.'s efforts in establishing a command-and-control center. This initiative has proven effective in detecting and eliminating illegal refinery sites and connections, resulting in the destruction of over 5,686 Illegal Refinery (IR) sites and the removal of 4,480 Illegal Connections (ICs) since 2021.
Recognizing the severity of vandalism and theft, Kyari hinted at a strategic shift, focusing on increased product trucking and storage in underground tankages at NNPC filling stations nationwide. He emphasized NNPC Ltd.'s expanded retail assets, solidifying its position as the largest single downstream company in sub-Saharan Africa.
Kyari underscored NNPC Ltd.'s transformation into a fully commercial limited liability energy company following the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021. The removal of fuel subsidies, he noted, has enabled the company to actively engage in commercial activities, ensuring profitability and delivering greater value to Nigeria's growing population.
Mallam Mele Kyari was awarded with gift from the Great IFE Students' Union, which was represented by the President, Abass Ojo LoRdFeM, and other members of the Students' Union Executive Council.
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