The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Malam Mele Kyari, revealed plans to increase crude oil production from 1.6 million barrels per day to 3 million bpd. He also aims to boost refining capacity to over 1 million bpd and expand NNPCL retail outlets to 1,500 stations across sub-Saharan Africa. Kyari discussed these goals at the 2024 Women in Energy, Oil, and Gas (WEOG) Leadership Summit in Abuja, themed "Closing Energy Gaps in Nigeria by Investing in Women."
Kyari highlighted the need for a multifaceted approach to achieve NNPCL's ambitious goals, emphasizing the importance of investing in women. Despite constituting a substantial portion of Nigeria's population and workforce, women are underrepresented in the energy sector, largely due to low participation in STEM fields
He noted that NNPCL has evaluated challenges faced by women in its workforce and taken steps to address them, including coaching and mentoring programs for effective leadership and promoting flexible work arrangements. By empowering women and providing equal opportunities, NNPCL aims to unlock their immense potential and drive meaningful change in the energy sector.
Kyari also discussed plans to optimize dividend payouts to shareholders and grow the company's renewable energy portfolio. He envisions a Nigeria propelled by the oil and gas industry, with increased crude oil production, expanded refining capacity, and a growing retail network, all while prioritizing renewable energy and women's empowerment.
