Group Applauds NNPCL EVP Downstream, Isiyaku Abdullahi, Over Reforms and Performance

… Pledges Support for Reforms to Stabilize Downstream Operations

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Anti-Pipeline Vandalization/Oil Theft & Illegal Bunkering Task Force, a Niger Delta-based group dedicated to safeguarding Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, has commended the Executive Vice President, Downstream at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Isiyaku Abdullahi, for his leadership in implementing far-reaching reforms in the downstream sector.

The group acknowledged Abdullahi’s role in stabilizing and improving the downstream value chain, stating that his expertise and track record have positioned him as the right leader for the sector at a crucial time.

Speaking on behalf of the task force, its National Coordinator, Comrade Pathfinder Fiawei, praised Abdullahi’s contributions to the sector, noting that his career trajectory demonstrates a history of excellence. He recalled Abdullahi’s tenure as Business Advisor to the Group General Manager/CEO of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and his subsequent role as Managing Director of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), where he oversaw major operational improvements.

“With a careful assessment of his sagacity and well-grounded expertise in the oil and gas industry, he was later appointed as the General Manager, Finance at NNPC Pension Ltd. He is a renowned administrative professional and a marketing expert par excellence,” Fiawei stated.

He further highlighted the impact of Abdullahi’s ongoing initiatives, describing them as transformative.

“We, the Anti-Pipeline Vandalization/Oil Theft & Illegal Bunkering Task Force, as critical stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, have painstakingly assessed and monitored the EVP Downstream, and we have seen the convincing impact of the timely reforms he has initiated. These reforms have changed the narrative in the sector’s history,” Fiawei said.

According to the task force, the reforms have led to significant milestones, including:

• Increasing PPMC’s annual profits from **N3 billion to N19 billion, publishing NNPC’s first audited financial statements in 44 years, saving millions of dollars for the federation, developing and implementing strategic financial plans and projects, building financial models and forecasts for energy operations.

The group also reiterated its commitment to supporting NNPCL’s efforts in ensuring efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the sector.

“We unreservedly assure you of our support. We are throwing our weight behind your office and your reforms. As major stakeholders, we will collaborate to drive sweeping changes in the downstream sector,” Fiawei declared.

He also emphasized the group’s commitment to combating crude oil pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering, which he described as major threats to Nigeria’s economy.

“We will partner with your organization to enforce transparency and accountability in the sector and to eliminate saboteurs whose activities undermine national economic growth. With Nigeria’s four major refineries set to come on stream, this is a crucial time to ensure the downstream sector operates efficiently,” he added.