*Expresses confidence on PIA
By Teddy Nwanunobi
The Secretary General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Dr. Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, has endorsed the Valuechain oil and gas magazine, recommending it “to all researchers, readers, public commentators of energy of the world of oil and gas”.
Barkindo also expressed confidence that the newly signed Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by President Muhammadu Buhari would transform Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Barkindo, who spoke to Valuechain, recently extolled the oil and gas magazine for the good work it has been doing.
“First, I came across Valuechain during our commemoration of our 60th anniversary and Nigeria’s 50th anniversary in OPEC, and you so kindly and very generously reported OPEC, reported our activities.
“You were extremely generous and very kind, and on behalf of OPEC, I want to thank you very much, and commend you and endorse Valuechain, not only for our OPEC member countries, but to all researchers, readers, public commentators of energy of the world of oil and gas,” Barkindo said enthusiastically.
Barkindo expressed hope that the newly signed Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) would be implemented, expressing confidence that its implementation would “completely transform the (oil and gas) industry” in Nigeria.
He also used the opportunity to congratulate Buhari, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva; members of the National Assembly, and the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, and their teams for doing a great job.
“With the passing of the (Petroleum Industry) Bill, hopefully, and the immediate implementations of the Act, this will completely transform the industry in this country. This is what we have been waiting for a very long time, and the countries in the African Sub-region were also waiting to see the outcome of this process here, because they know that whatever happens to Nigeria is most likely going to impact them, as well. So, don’t be surprised if some of them also adopt some of the terms and conditions we have in the new law.
“Once again, I want to use your platform to congratulate Mr. President, National Assembly, as well as Minister Sylva, and Mele Kyari, GM of the NNPC, and their teams for a great job. We are all grateful to what they were able to put out together for the National Assembly. This is a primary number one in the industry, and we wish them all the best with implementation,” he stated.