WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has tasked Mr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the new chief executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, to rehabilitate the remaining moribund refineries and increase the country’s crude oil production. The group in a statement said the appointment of Mr Ojulari, a former Shell engineer, is a “masterstroke” given his reputation for excellence in the oil and gas industry. The National President of PETROAN, Mr Billy Gillis-Harry, in the statement praised the erstwhile chief executive of the NNPC, Mr Mele Kyari, for his tenure, but says the new Sheriff in town must work for the transformation of Nigeria’s oil industry. “Engineer Ojulari brings with him decades of experience, a track record of integrity, and a reputation for delivering results. We are confident he will steer NNPCL toward innovation, accountability, and value creation. “We thank Engr Kyari for his monumental efforts. His leadership revived the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which had remained dormant for years, and also helped push production figures upward. History will not forget his contributions,” Mr Gillis-Harry said. The association also outlined its agenda for the man, which includes critical reforms to deepen investor confidence and ensure petroleum product availability for Nigerians. “PETROAN expects the Ojulari-led NNPCL to pursue the resumption of Kaduna refinery operations and the timely completion of the second Port Harcourt refinery. “Also, we call for improved stakeholder communication. Transparency in operations, sales, and production figures will go a long way in rebuilding public and investor trust.” Mr Gillis-Harry called on other major industry groups to close ranks and support Mr Ojulari. “We urge MEMAN, DAPPMAN, NUPENG, PENGASSAN, and others to work closely with him. We must support this leadership to deliver a new era for our oil and gas industry. The President made the right call. Mr Ojulari is the right man, at the right time, for the right job.” Among the highlights of PETROAN’s expectations for the new NNPCL leadership include the creation of a business-friendly environment for investors and marketers as well as achieving crude oil production targets of 3 million barrels per day. Others are, “Producing top-quality petroleum products that meet international standards. Stabilizing fuel prices and promoting healthy competition in the downstream sector. Ensuring transparent communication of operations and results to stakeholders.”