NNPC unfolds post transformation agenda

A LIST of projects embedded in the agenda of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) under its post – transformation era, has been unveiled.

The Group Managing Director, NNPC, Austine Oniwon rolled out the profile of the projects, expected to be developed in its upstream portfolio in the next couple of years, during a courtesy visit of the Technip Group to NNPC headquarters recently.

According to him, the new NNPC is focusing on growing production to 250,000 barrels per day by 2015, opening up of the inland basins, fixing of the refineries, expansion of local refining capacity through the construction of three Greenfield refineries, establishment of petrochemical and fertiliser plants and the construction of gas infrastructure for gas to power projects aimed at realizing the Federal Government’s ambition to raise power production to 40,000 mega watts.

He, however, said the transformation programme is expected to be buoyed by the pending Petroleum Industry Bill, (PIB), which would not only change the way business is conducted in the industry, but also bring a lot of changes to the operations of the corporation.

According the provisions of the PIB, NNPC would be re-focused as profit-driven commercial entity, independent of the government intervention.

A statement signed by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, NNPC, Levi Ajuonoma quoted Oniwon as saying, “transformation within the corporation is already on, in preparation for the passage of the PIB as we are expected to hit the ground running.”

He further urged Technip to partner with NNPC to deliver on the projects. The international oil service and engineering company, however, indicated interest to work with the national oil company in its core areas of business.

The Senior Vice-President of Technip Group, Mr. Philippe Barril, disclosed that the firm was keen on developing a long-term relationship with the corporation.

Barril, who said Technip has been in Nigeria for 10 years developing engineering capabilities of major players in the oil and gas sector stated that his delegation’s visit was also to enable them hear from the GMD the policy and plans of the corporation so that they can plan effectively.

Source : Guardian