Nipco Plc, an integrated indigenous operator in the nation’s oil and gas industry, has identified its staff as a key component in its success story since it commenced commercial operations in 2004.

The Chairman of Nipco, Chief Bestman Anekwe, stated this at the 10th Anniversary and award ceremony to show gratitude to all staff for their contributions to the growth of company over the last 10 years.

He said the event is the first of its kind in the history of the company, as it provides an avenue to publicly acknowledge the efforts of its human capital, especially and some of the founding fathers.

Going down memory lane, Anekwe recalled that the Nipco dream, which some thought was impossible had become a reality even in the face of some daunting challenges to the delight of numerous stakeholders.

He specifically acknowledged the support of two of the founding members – Alhaji Abdulkadir Aminu, and Mr Tunji Adeniji, with whom he travelled across the nooks and cranny of the country soliciting support for independent fuel marketers.

“The trio went through lots of tribulations from the onset of nurturing the firm. But our greatest joy today is that the dream of the promoters had crystallised to a level even beyond our projections, especially against the background  of what its peers were able to achieve within a decade,” the Chairman declared.

Despite current challenges he said the Board is undaunted and will continue to propel the management to attain greater heights in the industry.

The Managing Director, Nipco, Mr Venkatapathy Venkataraman, noted that as a key element in the rising profile of the company, the management will continue to provide the enabling environment for staff to excel.

He enjoined the staff to continue to put in their best adding that “management is committed to having a cohesive workforce and intend keeping an open door policy for all staff to improve the communication line in the organisation.”

He encouraged all hands should be on deck to maintain the good image the company had built in the last decade, with many commendations and awards in its kitty, which had made it a benchmark for other operators.

The Nipco boss also pledged to work with the board in ensuring that staff, processes and systems are in line with the company’s growth objective of being the first choice to all stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.

The Executive Director, Corporate Services, Alhaji Aminu, in his remarks lauded the current transformation in the company, which had impacted positively on both the human and material elements.

He added that improved productivity and excellent service delivery to its numerous publics hold the key to its continuity.
About 16 members of staff, who had put in 10 years of service, and some founding fathers and expatriates, were honoured with special plaques for their contributions to the company.