We finished strong, says Baru; charges new NNPC GMD to surpass achievements

Maikanti Baru, who steps down Monday July 8 as group managing director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has asserted that he is leaving the corporation stronger than when he took over, and he has charged Mele Kolo Kyari, who takes over from him to exceed the milestones recorded so far by the corporation’s current management.

“We came in at a turbulent time when the country was experiencing low production, low staff morale and high rate of pipeline vandalism. However, we worked hard as a team and surmounted the challenges and finished strong. I am therefore, glad that one of our staff with professional competence and experience will be taking over from me,” Baru is quoted as saying in a statement made available to businessamlive by the corporation.

Ndu Ughamadu, the corporation’s group general manager, group public affairs division, who signed the statement, noted that Baru gave the charge while receiving a delegation from the Borno State government led by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

He said Baru expressed optimism that Kyari, as a thoroughbred product of the NNPC system, would deploy his cognate experience, expertise and exposure to deliver greater achievements.

Baru said that the incoming GMD played critical roles in delivering the various projects that have reformed the corporation within a short period, stressing that Kyari, being part of the processes and vision of the new NNPC, was in a vantage position to perform better.

Governor Zulum congratulated Kyari on his appointment and expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for finding a son of Borno State worthy of the honour.

According to the statement, Zulum called on the GMD-designate to discharge his duties to the best of his ability without compromising national interest.

The governor, said Ughamadu, used the opportunity to appreciate the outgoing GMD, Maikanti Baru, for his mentorship and training that prepared their son for this envious position in the nation’s largest oil and gas company.

He also said the governor commended the smooth and unique process of the hand-over, emphasizing that the privilege pointed to the integrity of Baru.