…Calls for NNPC unbundling to drive sector reform
By Ediri Ejoh

Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), yesterday, called on the Federal Government to speedily move for the installation of modern and standard metring infrastructure for measuring crude production, as well as allow for an open and competitive bidding in the allocation of oil blocs.

Acting Executive Secretary, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji made the call at the inauguration of a forum by the agency in Lagos.
The Acting Secretary also called for the unbundling of NNPC, and the privatisation of the country’s refineries as part of effort to reform the oil and gas industry in the country.

According to him, “the forum was a gathering where companies would come together to discuss issues of implementation, and as such we are happy that most of our recommendations are being taken into consideration.

“This is a forum where you have government, companies and civil societies sitting down to solve the problem of how a country like Nigeria will manage its natural resources prudently.

“This is with a view in ensuring that revenue generated from oil, gas and mining support national development and reduce poverty in the country, and we would be independent of NEITI.

Speaking also, the Chairman, Oil Producer Trading Section (OPTS), Mr Tola Akinmoladun, said the forum would provide opportunities for companies to come together and exchange ideas that will better the industry.

On his part, President, Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Alhaji, Shehu Sanni, said that the companies’ forum would be an advocacy platform where all the wrongs that had been happening in mining sector would be corrected.

He added: “However, it was an avenue to support the new government thinking at diversifying the economy especially in the area of mining.”

It was gathered that Mr Tola Akinmoladun was made the chairman of the forum; Alhaji Shehu Sanni, the vice-chairman; while Mr Peter Ogbobine, of NEITI was made the Secretary.