The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has emerged the overall best participant at the just-concluded 39th Kaduna International Trade Fair, which held in Kaduna from February 23 to March 4.
NNPC which returned to the fair after a two-year absence emerged ahead of Dangote Industries and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which came second and third respectively.
Ndu Ughamadu, NNPC’s spokesman in a statement issued in Abuja said Nasir El Rufai, the Kaduna State governor, presented awards to outstanding participants at the close of the fair.
El- Rufai commended NNPC and other participants for the quality products showcased and also commended participants for the innovation and grandeur they brought to bear on the event.
The statement also quoted Maikanti Baru, NNPC group managing director, as reiterating the corporation’s commitment to the economic diversification programme of the Federal Government.
He said it was imperative to intensify and support the Federal Government’s economic diversification programme to free the economy from the “vagaries of oil price volatility, which during a period of glut could spell doom for the nation.”
Baru asserted that a renewed focus on commerce, industry, and agriculture would have a greater impact on the standard of living of Nigerians.
“These sectors can engage more people in productive activities compared to oil and gas which, despite its significance, accounts for only 12.7 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),’’ Baru said.
The theme of the fair was: “Promoting Industry, Commerce, and Agriculture for International Competitiveness.”
Africa’s energy wealth: Why good governance must power a just transition