Buhari Meets Independent Petroleum Producers, Asks NNPC To Cooperate With Them

President Muhammadu Buhari, today, held a meeting with the indigenous companies operating in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, under the umbrella of Independent Petroleum Producers Association (IPPA).
At the meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President directed the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to work more closely with members of the association to resolve the challenges facing the oil and gas sector.
He also assured them of the support and protection of his administration, even as he commended their determination to increase the participation of Nigerians in the country’s oil industry.
He promised to do all within his powers to address the challenges which they currently face.
“We have the manpower for a more effective participation in our oil industry. We will give you all possible encouragement. You certainly won’t be ignored under my leadership.” President Buhari assured members of the association which represents about  20 Nigerian companies operating mainly on onshore fields, that his government will take appropriate actions to maintain and enhance security in their areas of operation.
President Buhari said that better security will help to lower production costs, which, he said, had become unnecessarily high in the country.
The association’s spokesman, Austin Avuru listed the challenges which the group is currently being facing, adding that they include security and the funding of joint ventures with the NNPC.
He said that the indigenous oil producers are already making significant contributions to the development of the Nigerian economy and could do more with the support of the present administration.
Meanwhile, President Buhari took briefings from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation which he commended for the ongoing efforts to generate more revenue through its various agencies.
President Buhari, who hosted the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mrs. Nkechi Ejele, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, expressed satisfaction with what he called her “very good presentation” as he promised that his government will support the Ministry’s activities.
The Permanent Secretary presented a number of proposals to the President, including the easing of visas for tourists and the establishment of a tourism development fund. [myad]